Smoked Ham, White Bean, and Tomato Soup with Mint

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup dried white beans (navy or cannellini)
• 6 parsley stems
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 strips smoked bacon (2 ounces), cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 1 medium yellow onion, minced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken stock or broth
• 2 smoked ham hocks (about 1 pound)
• 1 1/2 cups peeled, seeded and chopped tomatoes, canned or fresh
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper