Step 1

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook bacon slices till they are crispy. Plate them out and crumble the bacon into pieces. Set it aside.

Step 2

Remove excess bacon grease (save it for future recipes), leaving behind about 2 Tbsp in the skillet. Sauté diced onion, bell peppers and mushrooms for 7-8 minutes. Add in garlic and sauté for a minute.

Step 3

Add drained great northern beans along with red chili flakes, chicken broth, crumbled bacon bits, and thyme. Mix well. Simmer the beans for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, over medium-low heat.

Step 4

Garnish with some more fresh thyme and serve immediately with rice or crusty bread.