Place all the ingredients needed for the broth into a large slow cooker insert or stock pot on the stovetop. If you happen to have a soup sock, or a large piece of cheesecloth, you can put the bones into it, but if you don’t have easy access to either of those items, it isn’t necessary. Cover, and simmer on low heat for 3 hours on the stovetop, or 8 hours on a low setting of a slow cooker.
Remove the pot from the heat, uncover, and let cool to room temperature. Remove any bones from the broth.
Add the rest of the ingredients to the pot of broth. Slow cook on low for 6-7 hours, or simmer on low on the stovetop for about 2 hours. Your soup is finished when the sweet potatoes have reached desired tenderness and the flavors have melded.