Bean and Bacon Soup

INGREDIENTS

1 lb

dry Great Northern white beans, covered with a couple inches of water and soaked overnight

5 oz

bacon, cut into 1/2-inch wide pieces

2 cups

chopped onion (1 large onion)

3/4 cup

chopped celery (about 2 ribs of celery)

3/4 cup

chopped carrots (1 large carrot)

3 cloves

garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)

6 cups

chicken stock

bay leaves

1 tbsp

fresh thyme

2 1/2 tsp

kosher salt

1/4 tsp

black pepper

3 tbsp

tomato paste

1/2 tsp

paprika

1 oz

bacon (1 to 2 slices), cooked and crumbled for garnish (optional)

2 tbsp

chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)