Chances are I’m not making my own stock on the average weeknight. I am a big fan of Rapunzel Herb Bouillon (available at many stores), I use about 1/2 of one cube in a soup like this to kick things off – it makes a nice, light but flavorful broth. I’ll crush it into a powder and add it to the pot just before I add water. I had some Rancho Gordo flageolet beans already cooked so I used them here, but no worries if you have to turn to the can. For the vegans out there, just skip the Parmesan, and you’re in business.

sounds yummy
Two other options:
Quick-cooking method:Use 3 cans of beans instead of dry beans. Rinse beans thoroughly before adding to crockpot and decrease broth to 3 cups. Cook for about 4 hours.
Vegetarian version: Leave out the chicken and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth

This makes a really big batch.