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Optional, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery in oil until onions are translucent, and then add the garlic for a minute more watching carefully as to not burn the garlic. This adds an amazing depth of flavor to crock-pot cooking and speeds up the softening of the carrots but is not required.
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Place the remaining ingredients in the crock-pot.
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Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or on low for 6-9 hours or until carrots are thoroughly cooked. For a saucier soup, add more water or broth by the 1/4 cup until desired consistency is reached.
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Top with your favorite cheese or cheese substitute, green onions, tomatoes, or whatever your heart desires.