White Bean and Bacon Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced bacon
• 1 cup chopped onion
• ½ cup chopped carrot
• ½ cup chopped celery
• 1 pound white beans, soaked overnight
• 1 cup seeded chopped tomatoes
• 3 bay leaves
• 3 thyme sprigs
• 1½ quarts chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground white pepper
• 1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Drain beans and place in a pot with enough water to cover
2. Cook for 2 hours.
3. In a large pot, heat olive oil and bacon over medium high heat until fat begins to render
4. Add onion, carrots and celery and cook 5 minutes.
5. Drain beans and add tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme sprigs and stock
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer 40 minutes.
7. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves before serving.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley.