Tuscan Bean Soup with Bacon - Inspired Cooks

Ingredients

• 4 slices smoked bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces
• 2 celery ribs, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 medium carrots, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 medium garlic cloves, crushed with press
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) less-sodium chicken broth
• 3 cans (14 to 15.5 ounces each) cannellini, red kidney and/or garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups low sodium tomato juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper