Slow Cooker White Bean Soup

This was a cheap, hearty soup that was pretty easy to throw together. It didn't call for ham, so it can be a vegetarian soup, but there is just something about beans and ham that I love together in a soup. The kids even ate it pretty well and it was fabulous with the whole wheat garlic herb bread. I would definitely make this again - perfect for a chilly evening meal! :)

Slow Cooker White Bean Soup
(recipe found on pinterest via budgetbytes.com)

4 cloves garlic
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1/2 pound carrots, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
1 pound dry navy beans
1 whole bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons (or more to taste) salt
6 cups water
16 ounces chopped ham

Add garlic, onion, celery, and carrots to a large slow cooker. Sort through the beans and remove any debris or stones. Give them a quick rinse and then add them to the slow cooker, along with the bay leaf, rosemary, thyme, paprika and some pepper. Add water to the slow cooker and stir to combine the ingredients. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours. After 8 hours, stir the soup and mash the beans slightly. Starting with just a 1/2 teaspoon, add salt to your liking.