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This French Lentil Bacon Soup is the perfect comfort food, combining earthy lentils with smoky bacon, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. It’s the ideal dish to make when you need something hearty, flavorful, and soul-soothing. This soup is rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and the leftovers are just as delicious. Whether it’s a cold day or you need a quick weeknight dinner, this soup will hit the spot.

Full Recipe:

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 cut into 1/2” cubes
2 cups crushed canned tomatoes with liquid (or 2 cups peeled and roughly chopped fresh tomatoes)
5-6 cups chicken broth
1 lb. bacon, cut into small cubes
A few sprigs fresh thyme and rosemary, finely chopped
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, roughly chopped, to serve
Sour cream, to serve (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Lentils: If possible, soak the lentils in 6 cups of water for 12-24 hours. Drain and rinse before using.
Cook the Bacon: In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium-low heat until it’s done to your liking. Remove from the pan using a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave 4 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot with the remaining bacon fat. Add a pinch of salt and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Simmer Soup: Add the tomatoes with their juices to the pot, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Then add the lentils, potatoes, 5 cups of chicken broth, chopped herbs, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Cook uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils and potatoes are tender. If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or water and simmer for a few more minutes.
Final Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve: Top each bowl with crispy bacon, fresh parsley, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrients

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 800mg
Fiber: 10g

The Heart of the Soup: French Green Lentils

At the core of this soup are the French green “puy” lentils. Unlike regular green lentils or split peas, French green lentils hold their shape beautifully when cooked, making them perfect for a soup where you want the lentils to add texture without turning mushy. These small, firm lentils have a mild, earthy flavor that complements the smoky bacon and vegetables. They also absorb the flavors of the broth and herbs, creating a deep, satisfying taste.

Lentils, in addition to being delicious, are also incredibly nutritious. They are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals, making this soup both filling and healthy. The addition of lentils adds not only richness and body to the soup but also makes it a hearty, satisfying meal.

The Smoky Bacon Flavor

Bacon adds a smoky, savory depth to French Lentil Bacon Soup that truly elevates the dish. The bacon is first cooked in its own fat, creating crispy bits that contribute texture and flavor. The bacon fat is then used to sauté the vegetables, which infuses them with a rich, savory taste that enhances the overall depth of the soup.

Cooking the bacon until it’s crispy and golden gives it a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft, tender lentils and vegetables. The bacon’s smokiness permeates the soup, giving it an irresistible aroma and a rich flavor that’s impossible to ignore. It’s this balance of the smoky bacon with the earthy lentils that makes this soup so comforting and hearty.

The Vegetables: Carrots, Celery, and Potatoes

The vegetables in this soup provide freshness, sweetness, and balance to the richness of the bacon and lentils. Onions, celery, and carrots are sautéed together in the bacon fat, adding an aromatic base that enhances the flavors of the soup. The onions become soft and sweet, while the carrots and celery contribute a slight crunch and a mild, fresh flavor.

Potatoes, cut into cubes, add another layer of heartiness to the soup. When simmered with the lentils and broth, the potatoes soften and absorb the flavors of the soup while maintaining their structure. They offer a creamy texture that complements the earthiness of the lentils and the smokiness of the bacon. Potatoes also help to thicken the soup, making it even more filling and satisfying.

Herbs and Broth: Building Layers of Flavor

A few sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary are finely chopped and added to the soup, infusing the broth with their aromatic, earthy flavors. Thyme is a classic herb in French cuisine, known for its subtle, savory taste, while rosemary adds a piney, slightly floral note that enhances the soup’s depth. The herbs blend perfectly with the bacon and vegetables, creating a rich, flavorful base for the lentils.

The broth in this soup plays a crucial role in building the flavor. Chicken broth adds savory richness to the soup, while the tomatoes, either fresh or canned, add acidity and brightness. The tomatoes also help to balance the heaviness of the bacon and lentils, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. As the soup simmers, the lentils absorb the flavors of the broth, the herbs, and the bacon, making each spoonful rich and satisfying.

The Cooking Process: A Simple but Flavorful Technique

Making French Lentil Bacon Soup is straightforward, and the process doesn’t require any special techniques. The soup starts with cooking the bacon to crispy perfection. The rendered bacon fat is then used to sauté the vegetables, which adds layers of flavor before the lentils and tomatoes are added. Simmering the soup until the lentils and potatoes are tender allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, comforting broth.

What makes this soup so great is the ability to adjust it based on personal preferences. If you like your soup thicker, you can reduce the liquid or let it simmer longer. If you prefer a thinner consistency, just add a bit more broth or water. The key is tasting the soup as it cooks and adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper until it’s just right.

Serving Suggestions: A Touch of Freshness and Creaminess

Once the soup is done, it’s time to serve. Top each bowl with a generous amount of crispy bacon, which adds a delightful crunch and enhances the smoky flavor. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the soup. If you’re looking to add an extra layer of creaminess, a dollop of sour cream on top is a delicious finishing touch. The sour cream adds a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, hearty soup and makes each bite even more comforting.

This French Lentil Bacon Soup is perfect on its own or served with a crusty piece of bread for dipping. It’s a meal that satisfies both the stomach and the soul, making it a great choice for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a cozy night in.

A Hearty, Nutritious Meal

French Lentil Bacon Soup is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. The lentils provide a good source of plant-based protein and fiber, while the vegetables contribute vitamins and minerals. The bacon adds flavor and richness, but the amount used in the soup is modest, allowing the other ingredients to shine. The combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats makes this soup a filling and balanced meal.

Each serving of French Lentil Bacon Soup contains approximately 320 calories, with 40 grams of carbohydrates, 20 grams of protein, and 12 grams of fat. The soup is also a good source of fiber, with 10 grams per serving. These nutrients make the soup both satisfying and nourishing, providing energy and essential nutrients without being overly heavy.

Conclusion

French Lentil Bacon Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The earthy lentils, smoky bacon, and fresh vegetables combine to create a rich, hearty soup that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter day, serving it as a quick weeknight dinner, or preparing it for a cozy gathering, this soup is sure to satisfy. Easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and nutritious, French Lentil Bacon Soup is a dish that will warm both your body and your soul.

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