French Lentil Bacon Soup is a delicious and warming dish that brings together the earthy richness of French green lentils, smoky bacon, and a medley of vegetables. This soup is perfect for those chilly days when you crave something comforting yet full of flavor. The combination of fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, along with the depth of crushed tomatoes and the richness of bacon, makes this soup a hearty meal in itself. It’s easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup French green “puy” lentils (not split peas)
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2” cubes
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch chunks
- 2 cups of either crushed canned tomatoes with their juice or fresh tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped
- 5-6 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb. bacon, cut into small cubes
- Several sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary, leaves stripped and finely minced
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, roughly chopped, for serving
- Sour cream for serving, if desired
Instructions:
- Prepare the Lentils: Begin by rinsing the French green lentils under cold water. Set them aside to drain while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the cubed bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, celery, carrots, and potatoes to the bacon fat. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften and the onions become translucent.
- Add the Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the crushed tomatoes (or chopped fresh tomatoes), finely chopped thyme and rosemary, and bay leaves. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors blend and develop.Top of Form
- Add the Lentils and Broth: Add the rinsed lentils to the pot along with 5 cups of chicken broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Heat the soup until it reaches a boil, then lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and the vegetables are thoroughly cooked.
- Adjust the Consistency: Check the consistency of the soup. If it’s too thick, add the remaining cup of chicken broth as needed.
- Finish with Bacon: Once the lentils and vegetables are tender, stir in the cooked bacon. Allow the soup to cook gently for another 5 minutes to enhance the flavor integration.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Spoon the steaming soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. For an extra touch of richness, you can add a dollop of sour cream on top.
Conclusion:
This Hearty French Lentil Bacon Soup is a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to satisfy your appetite. The smoky bacon adds a depth of flavor to the earthy lentils, while the fresh herbs and vegetables create a balanced and nourishing meal. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or alongside a crusty piece of bread, this soup is the perfect way to warm up on a cool day. Simple to prepare and full of wholesome ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy this comforting bowl of soup with family or friends and savor the rich, satisfying flavors in every spoonful.