Creating Cozy Bean with Bacon Soup is straightforward. Follow these steps for delicious results:

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent. Then stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
4. Incorporate the Beans and Tomatoes: Add the drained cannellini beans and the diced tomatoes, along with their juice, to the pot, stirring well.
5. Season the Soup: Sprinkle in thyme, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine all flavors.
6. Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer for about 15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
7. Add Bacon and Greens: Return the cooked bacon to the pot and stir in the chopped kale or spinach if using.
8. Final Simmer: Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes or until greens are wilted and tender.
9. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary.
10. Serve: Remove from heat and ladle into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

These simple steps will lead you to create a soul-satisfying bowl of Cozy Bean with Bacon Soup that everyone will love!