Smoked Bacon and Lentil Soup
Warm up with a bowl of hearty smoked bacon and lentil soup, a comforting dish packed with rich, smoky flavors and wholesome ingredients. This recipe combines crispy smoked bacon, tender lentils, and a mélange of aromatic vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery, to create a robust, soul-satisfying soup. Enhanced with warming spices like smoked paprika and cumin, and simmered in a savory broth, this dish strikes the perfect balance of flavor and nourishment. Ready in under an hour, it’s a perfect option for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prep. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and serve with crusty bread for an irresistible pairing. Whether you’re looking for a protein-packed meal or a belly-warming treat, this smoked bacon and lentil soup will quickly become a household favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 200 g smoked bacon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced onion
- 2 medium, diced carrots
- 2 stalks, diced celery
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 200 g dried lentils
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 large bay leaf
- 1 liter chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the smoked bacon and cook until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water and add them to the pot along with the bay leaf, chicken or vegetable stock, and tomato paste. Stir well.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender.
Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the cooked bacon back to the pot and stir to combine.
Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, alongside crusty bread if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
572 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.5 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.1 g | 40% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 50 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 2391 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44.7 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.1 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.6 g | ||
| Protein | 35.2 g | 70% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 86 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 4.8 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 1019 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
