Smooth and Savory Creamy Lentil Bacon Soup
Embark on a culinary journey with this Smooth and Savory Creamy Lentil Bacon Soup. This recipe takes the comforting combination of lentils and bacon to a whole new level by incorporating a blend of spices, vegetables, and a velvety finish. The harmonious flavors of cumin, basil, and thyme are complemented by the earthiness of beetroot, carrots, and potatoes, creating a soup that surprises your taste buds with every spoonful. This is more than just a dish; it's a symphony of flavors and textures that enriches the dining experience. Enjoy the indulgent creaminess and the smoky, crispy bacon garnish, making every serving a delicious work of art.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
4 cups
green or brown lentils
1 cup
onion
1 medium (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (finely chopped)
chopped tomatoes
400 grams or 1 can
olive oil
1 tablespoon
beetroot
1 small (diced)
carrot
1 medium (diced)
potato
1 medium (diced)
cumin
1 teaspoon
dried basil
1 teaspoon
dried thyme
1 teaspoon
paprika
1 teaspoon
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
chicken stock cube
1
black peppercorns
6 whole
cloves
4 whole
rindless smoked streaky bacon
4 slices (chopped)
double cream
4 tablespoons (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and garlic. Saute for 5 minutes until translucent. If they begin to brown too quickly, sprinkle a bit of water.
2
Mix the cumin into the onion and garlic mixture, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
3
In a separate large pot, combine the lentils and water. Bring to a vigorous boil for 10 minutes.
4
Incorporate the chopped tomatoes into the onion-garlic mixture. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 7 to 10 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly.
5
Add the spices - basil, thyme, paprika, cloves, and peppercorns - into the tomato sauce.
6
During this time, dice the beetroot, potato, and carrot.
7
After the lentils have boiled for 10 minutes, add the diced vegetables to them. Lower the heat to simmer.
8
Combine the tomato sauce with the lentil mixture and stir in the chicken stock cube.
9
Let the soup simmer gently for 20 more minutes until all ingredients are tender.
10
Turn off the heat and carefully blend the soup until smooth. For safety, blend in batches if necessary.
11
Return the blended soup to the pot. Adjust the consistency by adding water if it's too thick.
12
Fry the bacon pieces in a separate pan until they turn golden brown and crispy.
13
When serving, ladle the soup into bowls, add the bacon pieces, and gently stir. Top each serving with a tablespoon of double cream for a luxurious touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this soup recipe?
The recipe is called Smooth and Savory Creamy Lentil Bacon Soup.
What type of lentils should I use?
The recipe recommends using 1 cup of green or brown lentils.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How do I make the soup creamy?
The soup is blended until smooth and topped with a tablespoon of double cream for a luxurious finish.
Is there bacon in this recipe?
Yes, it uses 4 slices of chopped rindless smoked streaky bacon as a crispy garnish.
What vegetables are included in the soup?
The soup includes onion, garlic, chopped tomatoes, beetroot, carrot, and potato.
Which spices are used for seasoning?
The seasoning includes cumin, dried basil, dried thyme, paprika, cinnamon, black peppercorns, and cloves.
How long should I boil the lentils initially?
Bring the lentils and water to a vigorous boil for 10 minutes before adding other ingredients.
What should I do if the onions and garlic brown too quickly?
You can sprinkle a bit of water into the pan to slow down the browning process.
When do I add the chopped tomatoes?
Incorporate the tomatoes into the onion-garlic mixture after the cumin has cooked for 2 minutes.
How long should the tomato sauce simmer?
Let the tomato sauce simmer for 7 to 10 minutes until it reduces slightly.
When are the diced vegetables added to the pot?
Add the diced beetroot, potato, and carrot to the lentils after they have boiled for 10 minutes.
What type of stock is used?
The recipe calls for one chicken stock cube to be stirred into the mixture.
How long does the soup simmer after all ingredients are combined?
Simmer the soup gently for 20 more minutes until all ingredients are tender.
Is the soup blended with the heat on?
No, you should turn off the heat before carefully blending the soup until smooth.
Can I adjust the soup's thickness?
Yes, you can adjust the consistency by adding water if the blended soup is too thick.
How is the bacon prepared?
Fry the chopped bacon pieces in a separate pan until they are golden brown and crispy.
How is the soup served?
Ladle the soup into bowls, add the crispy bacon, and top with a tablespoon of double cream.
What is the preparation for the beetroot?
The beetroot should be diced into small pieces.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3 finely chopped garlic cloves.
What amount of olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sauteing.
How many whole peppercorns are in the recipe?
There are 6 whole black peppercorns used for seasoning.
Is cinnamon included in this savory soup?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon is added to the spice blend.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include creamy, lentil, bacon, soup, savory, comfort food, easy meal, and hearty.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use 400 grams of fresh chopped tomatoes as an alternative to canned.
How much water is needed for the base?
The recipe starts with 4 cups of water to boil the lentils.
Is the double cream garnish mandatory?
No, the double cream is optional but recommended for a luxurious touch.
Should the bacon be rindless?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for rindless smoked streaky bacon.
How do I safely blend the hot soup?
It is recommended to blend in batches if necessary to ensure safety when handling the hot liquid.
How long do I cook the cumin with the aromatics?
Cook the cumin with the onion and garlic mixture for an additional 2 minutes.