Autumn Harvest Soup

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I started developing this soup for a recipezaar cooking contest. finally finished it, a bit too late for the contest! a hearty soup, add bread and you have dinner.

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Steps

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Heat olive oil in a heavy bottomed soup pot and saute bacon for 3 minutes.

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Pour off any excess fat.

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Add onions and garlic continuing to cook until onions are softened.

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Add leeks , celery , carrots , butternut squash and soaked white beans along with thyme and rosemary.

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Saute for 2 more minutes.

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Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil.

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Turn down heat and simmer slowly for 1 1 / 2 hour or until beans are tender.

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Adjust final seasoning.

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Ingredients

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dry white beans, olive oil, smoked bacon, garlic cloves, onion, leek, celery, apples, carrot, butternut squash, fresh thyme, fresh rosemary, vegetable stock, white pepper