Smokey Bean Soup with Ham & Bacon

9 slices bacon (a few more if you want extra for garnish)
1.5 C diced onion
3 T minced garlic (about 3 large cloves)
3 C diced Ham (about 10oz)
3 red potatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces (3-3 1/2C)
3 cans Great Northern Beans, rinsed and drained
1.5 t smoked paprika
1/2 t liquid smoke
3/4 t kosher salt
48oz chicken broth

Slice bacon into bite-size pieces. Cook in a large stock pot until crisp. Remove bacon to drain on paper towels. Reserve 2-3 tea. bacon drippings in pan and discard the rest. Add diced onion to pan and saute for about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook another minute. Add diced ham, beans, smoked paprika and salt to pan and stir to combine. Then add the broth and the potatoes. Bring soup to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Remove from heat and stir in bacon. Take 5 cups of the soup and place in the blender (leave the plug in the lid off to let steam escape and cover with a paper towel to avoid splashes while you blend) Blend until completely smooth. You could also use an immersion blender in place of a blender if you have one. Add blended soup back to pot and stir to combine.

Serving Size: Makes 9 cups

Number of Servings: 9

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user WINTERFYRE.