Start off by soaking your beans overnight. (Alternative: use a quick soak method or use canned beans).
Place beans in a pot of water with the chicken stock.
While the beans are simmerimg, dice the onions and mince the garlic.
On a skillet, cook your bacon. After the bacon has been cooked, place the bacon aside and while the bacon grease is still in the skillet, pour in the garlic and onion to cook. This gives the soup a bit of extra flavour ;)
Pour in the onion, garlic, bay leaf, the cooked pancetta or bacon. Add in salt/pepper to taste if necessary. Stir to combine. Continue cooking the soup until it reaches a simmer. Let the soup simmer for 10-20 minutes or until the beans are cooked throughly.