Rinse and pre-cook the beans

• Rinse the dry beans under cold water in a colander.
• Pressure cook the beans to speed up the preparation, or use them as your beans of choice.

Combine the base ingredients

• Add the beans, chicken broth, water, carrots, onion, tomato paste and Italian seasoning to the slow cooker.
• Add the ham bone if using.

Slow cook the soup

• Cook on low until the beans and vegetables are tender.

Add the ham and tomatoes

• Remove the ham bone and discard.
• Stir in the diced ham and the undrained diced tomatoes.
• Cook for an additional 15 minutes.

Season and serve

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Ladle into bowls and enjoy.