Lentil and Canadian Bacon Soup

Warm up any day with this hearty and flavorful Lentil and Canadian Bacon Soup, a comforting one-pot meal brimming with protein and wholesome ingredients. Tender lentils simmer to perfection in a seasoned chicken broth infused with the smoky richness of Canadian bacon, while an aromatic medley of carrots, celery, onion, and garlic adds layers of flavor and nutrition. Highlights like smoked paprika and dried thyme lend a savory depth, making this soup a fragrant and satisfying dish. Ready in under an hour and perfect for meal prep, this healthy, gluten-free recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy lunches. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch, and serve it warm with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 6 ounces Canadian bacon, diced
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium Carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 Celery stalks, diced
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup Dry lentils, rinsed and drained
• 6 cups Chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 Bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced Canadian bacon and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to crisp up.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Add the lentils, chicken broth, dried thyme, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Step 7

Remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard it.

Step 8

Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 9

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2316.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1018.1

Total Fat 39.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 89.5mg	0%
Sodium 6573.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 85.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.1g	0%
Total Sugars 25.1g
Protein 87.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 388.5mg	0%
Iron 15.3mg	0%
Potassium 3887.4mg	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: 33.7%

Protein: 33.6%

Carbs: 32.7%