White Bean Soup With Bacon

Name: White Bean Soup With Bacon
Ingredients: 1 pound dry Great Northern white beans , covered with a couple inches of water and soaked overnight; 5 ounces bacon , cut into 1/2-inch-wide pieces; 1 large onion , chopped ( 2 cups ); 2 ribs celery , chopped ( 3/4 cup ); 1 large carrot , peeled and chopped (3/4 cup); 3 cloves garlic , minced (about 1 tablespoon); 6 cups chicken stock; 2 bay leaves; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme; 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt , plus more to taste; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper , plus more to taste; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1 ounce bacon (1 to 2 slices), cooked and crumbled for garnish, optional; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish, optional