Mixed Bean and Bacon Soup

By tulawdog

Ingredients

• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 1/2 cups prepared beans (about 1 cup of dry beans after soaking. I get the big mixed jar at Costco)
• 4 slices of bacon (if you are a lover of bacon, use a few slices more)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups of chopped tomatoes (one 1 can if you don't have fresh)
• 2 TBS chopped fresh oregano
• 1 TBS chopped fresh rosemary
• pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove from pan and set aside.
Using the bacon grease, (add a little olive oil if you need to) saute onion and carrots until they begin to get tender. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and saute for a few minutes more. Salt and pepper to taste.
Add prepared beans, chicken broth, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and crumble the bacon into the soup.
Bring to a low boil and then reduce heat to low and simmer at least until carrots are tender if you are in a hurry, but I like to simmer my soup for a few hours so all the flavors have plenty of time to dance together.
Serve with crusty bread and enjoy!