Hearty Bacon Lentil Soup
Indulge in this deliciously hearty Bacon Lentil Soup, a perfect comfort food that’s as nutritious as it is flavorful. Packed with protein-rich lentils and the smoky goodness of bacon, this soup is a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Ideal for a chilly day, this soup will warm you up while providing a satisfying meal. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete dinner that the whole family will love.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
2 slices (chopped)
onion
1 (chopped)
carrots
2 (sliced)
green lentils
1.5 cups (dry, rinsed)
chicken broth
6 cups
bay leaf
1
cumin
1 teaspoon
fresh parsley
0.25 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the chopped bacon and cook until it becomes crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess fat.
2
In the same saucepan, add the chopped onion and sliced carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and the carrots begin to soften.
3
Stir in the rinsed lentils, chicken broth, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
4
Remove the bay leaf and stir in the crispy bacon, cumin, and chopped parsley. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
5
Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
17.5
Carbs
10
Protein
6.25
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Bacon Lentil Soup?
It is a nutritious and flavorful comfort food made with protein-rich lentils, smoky bacon, and various vegetables.
What are the main ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients include bacon, onion, carrots, green lentils, chicken broth, bay leaf, cumin, and fresh parsley.
How long do the lentils need to simmer?
The lentils should simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they become tender.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon substitute, and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
What type of lentils does this recipe use?
This recipe specifically calls for 1.5 cups of dry, rinsed green lentils.
Can I substitute red lentils for green lentils?
You can, but red lentils cook much faster and tend to break down into a mushier consistency compared to green lentils.
Is Hearty Bacon Lentil Soup a healthy choice?
Yes, it is high in protein and fiber while being relatively low in calories.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 150 calories per serving.
Can I freeze this soup for later?
Yes, lentil soup freezes very well and can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How long will the soup stay fresh in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
Can I use water instead of chicken broth?
You can use water, but chicken broth is recommended to provide a much deeper and richer flavor profile.
What should I serve with this soup?
It is delicious when served with warm, crusty bread or a fresh side salad.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of protein.
What is the fat content of the recipe?
The recipe contains approximately 5 grams of fat per serving.
How should I cook the bacon?
Chopped bacon should be cooked in a large saucepan over medium heat until it becomes crispy.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Celery, garlic, or diced potatoes would make excellent additions to the base.
What can I use if I don't have cumin?
You can substitute cumin with ground coriander or smoked paprika for a different but tasty flavor.
Is this considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, the recipe is designed to be cooked entirely in one large saucepan.
Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?
No, you do not need to soak them; just ensure they are thoroughly rinsed to remove any debris.
What is the purpose of the bay leaf?
The bay leaf adds a subtle herbal depth and aroma to the broth as it simmers.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh parsley?
Yes, but use about one-third of the amount called for, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How many carrots are required?
The recipe calls for 2 sliced carrots.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the label on your chicken broth to ensure no gluten additives are present.
Does the recipe specify a serving size?
The specific serving size and number of servings are not provided, though the ingredients yield a substantial pot of soup.
Can I prepare this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can sauté the bacon and veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be chopped before being sautéed with the carrots.
What is the fiber content?
This soup provides a healthy 6.25 grams of fiber per serving.
Can I add leafy greens like spinach?
Yes, you can stir in fresh spinach or kale during the final 5 minutes of simmering until wilted.
Why is the bacon removed and then added back later?
Removing it allows you to drain excess fat and ensures the bacon stays crispy when added back at the end.
Is this soup good for meal prepping?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as the flavors often improve and meld together even more the next day.