Chicken, Bacon, and White Bean Soup, Portuguese Style

• 8 ounces chopped bacon
• 2 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 2 tablespoons minced shallots
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 quart chicken stock
• 1 pound white beans, soaked overnight
• 1 bouquet garni
• 12 ounces small diced cooked chicken
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper
• Pecorino Romano
• Small crusty bread loaf

1. In a stock pot, render the bacon until crispy, remove the bacon.
2. Saute the onions, celery, shallots, and garlic in the bacon fat for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add the stock, beans and bouquet.
4. Bring up to a boil and reduce to a simmer.
5. Allow to cook for about 2 hours or until the beans are tender.
6. Add the diced chicken meat.
7. Season with cayenne, salt and black pepper.
8. Garnish with Pecorino and serve with crusty bread.

bacon, onions, celery, shallots, garlic, chicken, white beans, bouquet garni, chicken, cayenne pepper, salt, romano, crusty bread

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/chicken-bacon-and-white-bean-soup-portuguese-style-recipe.html (may not work)