White Beans Soup, Sopa de Habichuelas Blancas Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 oz bacon, chopped 
• 2 cup onions, chopped 
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 2 tbsp shallots, minced
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken stock 
• 1 can white beans
• 1 bouquet garni 
• 12 oz chicken, cooked and diced
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper 
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Romano cheese to taste

Procedure:

In a stock pot, saute bacon until crispy, remove the bacon. Saute the onions, celery, shallots, and garlic in the bacon fat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the stock, beans and bouquet. Bring up to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 45 minutes. Add chicken, cayenne, salt and pepper. Serve and top with romano cheese.