Bacon and Lentil Soup
This chunky bacon and lentil soup is a comforting and filling one pot meal. With carrots and celery added, it’s packed with protein and fiber – and it tastes amazing!
Servings: 4
Calories: 384kcal
Cost: Cheap
Ingredients
- 5 streaky bacon rashers
- 220 g brown lentils
- 300 g carrots
- 3 celery sticks
- 1 small onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1600 ml vegetable stock (or beef stock, or water + stock cubes)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot. Add the bacon, and fry it until crispy. Then, remove it from the pot and add finely chopped garlic and onion. Saute for 4-5 minutes, or until the onion starts to look translucent.
- Add the seasoning, stock and brown lentils. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid, and leave it to simmer until the brown lentils have mostly softened. This typically takes about 20 minutes.
- Add diced carrots and celery to the soup, and leave it to cook until the vegetables have softened. Add salt and pepper to taste, if using.
- Serve the soup with crispy bacon on top, or alternatively, dice the crispy bacon and add it to the soup before serving.
Notes
Can you make this vegetarian? – Yes! Omit the bacon, or use vegan “bacon” substitute for a veggie version of the dish.
Can I add more vegetables? – Absolutely. Add your favorite veggies, like cauliflower, potatoes or broccoli if you wish.
Can I use canned or pre-cooked lentils? – Yes. Drain and rinse the cooked lentils, and add them after sauteing the onions and bacon. Add the carrots and celery at the same time, and leave the soup to cook until the carrots have softened. You will have to reduce the amount of liquid quite a lot, as the cooked lentils won’t absorb any water.
Leftovers
Store leftover bacon and lentil soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it up to 3 months. Make a large batch and freeze it for quick and easy future meals!Nutrition
Calories: 384kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 2132mg | Potassium: 869mg | Fiber: 19g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 13455IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 5mg