Romanian White Bean Soup with Bacon (Ciorba de Fasole cu Sunca)

This is another one of those dishes that stirs up childhood memories.  I loved this dish then, and I love it now.  The flavors are wonderful, the dish is very filling, easy and delicious.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

-1 lb dry white beans (navy, cannellini, etc)

-5 strips of  thick cut bacon, chopped

-1 onion, finely diced

-2 cloves garlic, minced

-1 carrot, finely grated

-1/2 tsp dried rosemary

-5 cups chicken stock

-1 tsp salt

-1 tsp pepper

-1 Tbs tomato paste

Directions:

Pick and clean the beans well.  Cover with water and let them soak overnight, until ready to cook.  Drain and set aside.

Cook bacon in large pot until nice and crispy.  Remove onto plate lined with paper towels and set aside.

Add onion, garlic and carrot in the pot with the bacon grease.  Cook until onion starts getting tender, about 5 minutes.  Stir in the crushed rosemary and cook for 1 more minute.

Add the chicken stock and drained beans.  Give it a good stir.  Season with the salt and pepper, and add the tomato paste.  Stir until well incorporated.

Bring soup to a boil.  Cover, lower the heat, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Ladle into bowl, top with bacon pieces and enjoy!