This bacon and lentil soup is cozy and filling! It’s packed with hearty lentils, crispy bacon, and a mix of veggies to warm you up on chilly days.
If you’re like me, you can’t resist that smoky bacon flavor in every spoonful. It truly makes this soup a hug in a bowl! 😋
Making this soup is super simple! Just cook the bacon, toss in the lentils and veggies, and let it simmer. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: The bacon not only adds a great flavor but also a bit of fat to cook the veggies in. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon can be used. They will give a different taste, but they’ll still work well.
Lentils: Dried green or brown lentils are perfect for this soup. If you’re in a rush, canned lentils can save time, just rinse them and add them toward the end of cooking. But note, they won’t absorb as much flavor as dried ones.
Broth: I love using homemade chicken broth, but vegetable broth is a great option for vegetarians. You can also use water if you don’t have broth; just be sure to season well with salt and pepper.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a lovely color and nutrients. If you can’t find fresh, frozen spinach works fine too. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a wonderful smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, try regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
How Can I Cook Bacon for the Best Flavor?
Getting bacon just right is essential for flavor. Here’s how to cook it so it’s crispy and full of taste:
- Start with a cold pot to render the fat slowly. This keeps the bacon tender before it crisps up.
- Cook on medium heat and watch it closely, stirring occasionally. This helps it cook evenly.
- Once the bacon is golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it, leaving the fat in the pot for flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Lentils for a Soup?
Preparing lentils is easy but requires a few steps for perfect texture:
- Rinse the lentils under cold water to remove any dust or debris.
- Add them to the pot early on, before the broth, to let them soak additional flavors as they cook.
- Keep an eye on them, as cooking time may vary. Taste them after 20 minutes for doneness.
How to Make Bacon and Lentil Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown), rinsed
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: 1 bay leaf for added flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Bacon and Lentil Soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend roughly 45 minutes from start to finish, and most of it is hands-off while the lentils simmer away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the chopped bacon and cook over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, take the bacon out and set it aside, but keep all that tasty bacon fat in the pot. It’s going to add fantastic flavor to your soup!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Next, pour in the olive oil with the bacon fat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook these veggies for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and fragrant.
3. Add Garlic:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. You want to make sure you can smell that delicious garlic aroma—it means it’s time for the next step!
4. Combine the Soup Ingredients:
Time to bring it all together! Add the rinsed lentils, chicken or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with all their juices), dried thyme, smoked paprika, and the optional bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Bring everything to a nice boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’re looking for the lentils to become tender. This is where all those wonderful flavors meld together!
6. Add Fresh Spinach:
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach. It will quickly wilt and brighten up the soup.
7. Final Touches:
Don’t forget the bacon! Stir the cooked bacon back into the pot. Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if you like.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup warm in bowls, and enjoy the comforting blend of smoky bacon and hearty lentils with those delicious veggies. It’s perfect for a cozy meal!
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Regular Bacon?
Yes, you can! Turkey bacon is a great substitute if you’re looking for a healthier option. Just be mindful that it may not render as much fat, so you might want to add a bit more olive oil to ensure the vegetables cook properly.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add a splash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor that bacon provides.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This soup also freezes well! Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or kale, depending on what you have on hand. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, adding harder vegetables earlier in the process and softer ones like spinach towards the end.
