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.