A comforting and hearty white bean stew cooked in a slow cooker, perfect for a cozy meal.
Sort through the beans and remove any debris.
Sorting ensures no unwanted debris ends up in your stew.
Soak the beans overnight in a large bowl with enough water to cover them.
Soaking reduces cooking time and improves texture.
Drain and rinse the beans thoroughly.
Rinsing removes excess starch and any remaining debris.
Chop the onion, celery, and bell pepper into small pieces.
Uniform chopping ensures even cooking.
Add olive oil to the slow cooker, then add the beans, vegetables, and all remaining ingredients.
Layering the ingredients helps distribute flavors evenly.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beans are tender.
Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent temperature.
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Serving with crusty bread enhances the meal.