Smoked Bacon and Lentil Soup

Warm up with a bowl of hearty smoked bacon and lentil soup, a comforting dish packed with rich, smoky flavors and wholesome ingredients. This recipe combines crispy smoked bacon, tender lentils, and a mélange of aromatic vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery, to create a robust, soul-satisfying soup. Enhanced with warming spices like smoked paprika and cumin, and simmered in a savory broth, this dish strikes the perfect balance of flavor and nourishment. Ready in under an hour, it’s a perfect option for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prep. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and serve with crusty bread for an irresistible pairing. Whether you’re looking for a protein-packed meal or a belly-warming treat, this smoked bacon and lentil soup will quickly become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 200 g smoked bacon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large, diced onion
• 2 medium, diced carrots
• 2 stalks, diced celery
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 200 g dried lentils
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 large bay leaf
• 1 liter chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper
• 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Add the smoked bacon and cook until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 3

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water and add them to the pot along with the bay leaf, chicken or vegetable stock, and tomato paste. Stir well.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender.

Step 7

Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 8

Add the cooked bacon back to the pot and stir to combine.

Step 9

Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, alongside crusty bread if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1847.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2312.4

Total Fat 118.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 33.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 220mg	0%
Sodium 9530.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 174.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 72.6g	0%
Total Sugars 26.5g
Protein 137.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 307.9mg	0%
Iron 21.0mg	0%
Potassium 4626.3mg	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: 45.9%

Protein: 23.8%

Carbs: 30.3%