Emeril's Bacon Lentils

Indulge in the savory comfort of Emeril's Bacon Lentils, a hearty and flavorful dish that transforms simple pantry staples into a gourmet delight. This recipe combines crispy bacon, tender green lentils, and a medley of sautéed vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, all simmered in a fragrant broth infused with smoked paprika, thyme, and a hint of garlic. Perfect for weeknight dinners or elevated meal prep, these lentils are easy to prepare in under an hour and boast a rich, smoky depth of flavor. Served as a side dish or a satisfying main course paired with crusty bread, Emeril's Bacon Lentils deliver both nutrition and indulgence in every bite. Whether you're seeking comfort food or an elevated twist on lentils, this dish is a must-try for food lovers everywhere!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 2 medium carrot
• 2 stalks celery stalk
• 3 cloves garlic cloves
• 1 cup green lentils
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon thyme leaves
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons parsley

Directions

Step 1

Begin by dicing the bacon into small pieces.

Step 2

Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and cook the bacon until it is crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pot.

Step 3

While the bacon is cooking, dice the onion, carrots, and celery, and mince the garlic.

Step 4

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly browned.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute, just until fragrant.

Step 6

Rinse the green lentils in cold water and drain.

Step 7

Add the rinsed lentils to the pot along with the chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme leaves, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 8

Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.

Step 9

Occasionally check the lentils and stir to ensure they don’t stick to the bottom. Remove the bay leaf once the lentils are cooked.

Step 10

Stir in the cooked bacon and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 11

Garnish the lentils with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Step 12

Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy it as a main course with crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1537.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	643.3

Total Fat 18.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.9g
Cholesterol 47.5mg	0%
Sodium 3468.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 71.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.9g	0%
Total Sugars 16.2g
Protein 51.0g	0%

Vitamin D 7.7IU	0%
Calcium 245.5mg	0%
Iron 11.4mg	0%
Potassium 2559.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 25.2%

Protein: 31.1%

Carbs: 43.7%