Hearty Bean Soup

By luvmybuttonsnbows

Prep time: 15 minutes/Total time: 9 hours 20 minutes + soaking time
Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 lb dried navy beans, rinsed
• 3 c reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 med onion, finely chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 dried bay leaf
• 3 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
• 1/4 c chopped fresh parsley + additional for garnish

Preparation

Step 1

1 Soak beans overnight in enough water to cover them by about 2".

2 Drain beans and transfer to slow cooker. Stir in next 7 ingredients and Parmesan rind (if using). Add 3 cups water. Cover and cook until beans are tender, 9 to 11 hours on low or 5 to 7 hours on high.

3 Remove and discard bay leaf. Puree about half of the bean mixture, using an immersion blender, regular blender, food pro¬cessor, or potato masher. Return soup to slow cooker and heat through. Stir in parsley. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. Garnish with additional parsley, if desired.