Slow Cooker Northern White Bean Bacon Chowder

This very savory chowder derives it's flavors from a variety of vegetables, Northern white beans, bacon and seasonings all pureed together in a chicken broth base. Best served with herb toast. I use reduced sodium chicken broth.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 hr
• Total Time: 10 hr 30 mins
• Calories: 331 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 6 slices bacon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian-style seasoning
• 1 potato - peeled and cubed
• 1 ½ cups dried great Northern beans, rinsed
• 3 (14.5 ounce) cans low-sodium chicken broth

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place beans in a large bowl with the water, cover, and soak overnight.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium to medium high heat, fry the bacon until crispy. Drain the bacon fat and crumble the bacon; set aside.

Step 3

In a slow cooker, combine the carrot, celery, onion, potato, Italian- style seasoning, ground black pepper, reserved beans and crumbled bacon. Pour the broth over all.

Step 4

Cover and cook on low setting for 7 1/2 to 9 hours, or until beans are crisp to tender.

Step 5

Transfer 2 cups at a time to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Return all to slow cooker, add the milk, cover and heat on high for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until heated through.