Ham and Sweet Potato Soup

Ingredients

• 1.5 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 15- or 19-ounce can cannellini (white kidney) beans, rinsed and drained
• 1.5 cup cubed leftover cooked ham
• 0.5 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 32 ounce carton reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 0.5 cup half-and-half or light cream
• Crème fraîche (optional)
• Paprika (optional)

Instructions

1. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
2. In a 3 1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker combine sweet potatoes, beans, ham, onion, thyme, and pepper. Pour broth over mixture in cooker.
3. Slow Cook
4. Cover and cook on a low-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours or on a high-heat setting for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Stir in half-and-half.
5. Finish and Serve
6. Mash the potato mixture slightly with a potato masher to reach the desired consistency. If desired, top each serving with crème fraîche and/or paprika.