Hearty three-bean soup garnished with rendered bacon

Loosely based on this Italian mixed bean soup by Umberle, available here:  http://www.food.com/recipe/italian-mixed-bean-soup-211966.  Sauté about 1 oz bacon (cut into matchsticks) until browned and rendered, then set aside.  Using the rendered fat, sauté 1 chopped onion, 5 cloves minced garlic, 7 sprigs each Greek oregano and thyme(leaves only), and ½ tsp crushed red pepper.  When fragrant, add 5… Continue reading Hearty three-bean soup garnished with rendered bacon