Bean with Bacon Soup

Sort and soak beans overnight, or follow instructions on the bag for quick soaking.

In a large crock pot, put all the ingredients except the broth. Cover everything with the broth until all is covered with at least an inch of liquid. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until beans are tender. This makes a very large pot. You can reduce the amount by using a smaller bag of beans and cutting the rest of the recipe in half.

The original recipe calls for the bacon, but ham steaks with the fat trimmed can be used for a healthier substitution with the same taste results.

This recipe freezes well.