Tomato, Bacon & Bean Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

500 g smoked streaky bacon, rind, removed, and, diced
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons butter
1 (880 g) can cooked peeled tomatoes
1 liter chicken stock (cubes or powdered are ok)
3 sprigs fresh herbs (a mix of lemon thyme and marjoram and parsley are my choices)
1 (880 g) can 3 bean mix, rinsed and drained
Tabasco sauce
fresh ground pepper
chopped parsley
shaved parmesan cheese or shredded parmesan cheese, to serve

Preparation

Cook the onion and bacon until the onion is softened.
Add the garlic and cook for another couple of minutes.
Add the tomatoes and break them up in the pan.
Add the chicken stock and herbs and simmer for about 20 minutes.
Remove the herb sprigs, add the beans and cook for about 5 more minutes to heat through.
Add the Tabasco and pepper to taste.
Sprinkle liberally with chopped parsley.
Serve with shaved parmesan and crusty bread.