Slow Cooker Bean, Sausage & Spinach Soup

Prep time:  10-15 min

Servings 8

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked sausage, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 (15-ounce) cans Great Northern beans or Navy beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 cups baby spinach

DIRECTIONS:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add sausage, and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
• Place sausage, garlic, onion, carrots, celery, beans, oregano and bay leaves into a 6-qt slow cooker. Stir in chicken broth and 2 cups water until well combined; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours, or high heat for 3-4 hours. Stir in spinach until wilted.
• Serve immediately.
• Optional: add grated parmesan or croutons to bowls