Rustic White Bean and Bacon Soup

Ingredients:

1-pound white northern beans, picked over, rinsed, and soaked overnight
8 ounces bacon, chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced carrot
3 cloves garlic, minced
A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Directions:

see continuation on next page