Tomato Bacon Soup

Description
We love it for lunch on a weekend, and are more likely to eat it in Spring or Autumn than the dead of winter.6-8 servings 50 minutes preparation.

Ingredients
Tabasco sauce fresh ground pepper chopped parsley shaved parmesan cheese or shredded parmesan cheese, to serve
 * 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

Directions
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.