Description
A comforting and hearty French lentil soup with bacon, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed lentils, broth, bay leaf, and the reserved bacon to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- If using, stir in the chopped kale or spinach and cook for another 5 minutes until wilted.
- Remove the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the lemon juice before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth.
- You can also add diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg