Bean with Bacon Soup (Campbell's Copycat Recipe)

Categories:  Soups

Ingredients

2 cups navy beans, soaked overnight
6 strips crispy fried bacon, minced
3 medium carrots, minced
3 medium celery stalks, minced
1 medium onion, minced
1/2 teaspoon thyme
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 ounces tomato paste
1 dash red pepper flakes
6 cups water, more if needed
2 cups ham stock, if available, decrease water
1 tablespoon wine vinegar
3 drops liquid smoke, optional
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Soak beans overnight and discard water.

Place all ingredients except wine vinegar, salt and pepper in a large kettle. Simmer until beans are tender (about 3 hours).

Puree 1 to 2 cups of soup and return to pot. Add wine vinegar and liquid smoke, mix well.

Salt and pepper to taste.