Ingredients

3 1/4 cups (or more) water

12 ounces dried Great Northern beans (about 1 3/4 cups), rinsed

1 smoked ham hock (8 to 9 ounces)

1 1/2 ounces tasso or andouille sausage, finely diced (generous 1/3 cup)

1 small onion, chopped

2 large celery stalks, chopped

1 small red bell pepper, diced

2 medium garlic cloves, chopped

2 bay leaves

Directions

Step 1: Stir 3 1/4 cups water and all remaining ingredients in large slow cooker.

Step 2: Cover and cook on high until beans are tender, stirring occasionally and adding more water if dry, about 4 1/2 hours.

Step 3: Remove ham hock. Cut off all meat; shred and return to beans.

Step 4: Season to taste with salt and pepper. 8 servings.