Bacon Potato White Bean And Red Pepper Soup

I don't know where i got this recipe - it might have been bon appetit. everytime i serve it i get rave reviews.

Place the bacon in a large saucepan and cover with water.

Simmer over moderately high heat for 5 minutes.

Drain and pat dry the bacon on paper towels.

Wipe out saucepan and return the bacon to pan.

Fry over medium high heat until golden and crisp about 4 minutes.

Drain the bacon on paper towel , discard all the fat from pan and wipe out with paper towels.

Reserve bacon on the side.

Add butter to pan and reduce heat to moderate heat.

Add vegetables and saute until soft.

Add broth and simmer until potatoes are soft and start breaking down.

Simmer for 45 minutes and serve with crumbled bacon on top.

thick slab bacon, butter, onion, leeks, carrot, celery rib, red pepper, beef broth, seasoning salt, white pepper, potatoes, white kidney beans