Crock Pot 5 Minute Bean & Bacon Soup

Don't you love your crock pot? In just 5 minutes, this wonderful soup will be cooking away. The aroma is heavenly. So nice to come home to! You can use your food processor or a stand blender instead of an immersion blender. If you prefer, you can blend all the beans. We like a few whole ones for texture.

• Ready In: 8 hrs 5 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 (14 -16 ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14 -16 ounce) can great northern beans, drained, but NOT rinsed
• 1  large onion, peeled and cut into quarters
• 2  carrots, trimmed and cut into thirds
• 1  celery rib, trimmed and cut into thirds
• 1  bay leaf
• 1 (16 ounce) can chicken broth
• 2  slices bacon, raw (use the streaky American style)
• 1  cup water

Directions

1. Coat the inside of your crock pot with non-stick spray.
2. Add all ingredients in order listed. Don't stir.
3. Cover and cook on high 8 - 10 hours.
4. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
5. Remove about 1/2 cup of the beans (just beans, leave everything else in the pot).
6. Using an immersion blender, puree the beans, vegetables and bacon.
7. Stir in the reserved beans.
8. Serve with crusty bread.