Slow Cooker Vegan White Bean Stew

2 pounds white beans (see note below)

2 large carrots, peeled and diced

3 large celery stalks, diced

1 onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced or chopped

1 bay leaf

1 tsp. each: dried rosemary, thyme, oregano

10-12 cups water

2 Tbsp. salt (according to taste, can start with 1 Tablespoon and add more at end if needed)

Ground black pepper, to taste

1 large can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes

5-6 cups (or more) roughly chopped leafy greens (spinach, chard, kale—used spinach)

Rice, polenta, or bread for serving (I had bread)

Sort through and rinse beans several times in cool water. Add to the slow cooker along with the diced carrots, celery, onions, garlic, bay leaf and dried herbs. Add the water. (Use less for a thicker stew, more for more of a soup.) Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or LOW for 8-10 hours. Remove lid from slow cooker and add the salt and pepper, and diced tomatoes. Let cook for another 1-1½ hours, or until beans are very soft. (If they are already soft after the initial cooking time, different kinds of beans may vary in cooking time, then add the tomatoes and greens and serve immediately.) Before serving, stir in the chopped greens.

Serve over hot cooked rice, polenta, or with bread.

Makes a lot--enough for at least 10-12 servings. Freeze half for later or invite friends over.

Notes

Cooking times may vary. Type of beans used, as well as the age of the beans, may require longer cooking times. I typically use Great Northern Beans and cook on high for 3-4 hours. Navy beans will take a little less time. Cannellini beans (white kidney beans) will take even longer because they are much larger.

From Cafe Johnsonia.