The First Lentil Soup
Cozy Up with a Bowl of Delicious Lentil Soup!
As the seasons change and the weather cools, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to nourish the body and soul. Today, we’re sharing a recipe for Delicious Lentil Soup that’s packed with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. This isn’t your average lentil soup; the addition of bacon and fresh herbs elevates it to a whole new level of comfort food.
This soup is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a comforting lunch, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. Lentils are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, making this soup both healthy and filling. The combination of vegetables creates a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!
What makes this lentil soup special?
- Savory Depth: The rendered bacon adds a smoky, savory base that infuses the entire soup with deliciousness.
- Hearty & Filling: Lentils are packed with protein and fiber, keeping you satisfied for hours.
- Fresh Herbaceousness: A sprig of fresh rosemary (or tarragon!) brightens the flavors and adds a touch of elegance.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, spinach, or kale to make it your own.
Tips for the Best Lentil Soup:
- Rinse the Lentils: Rinsing the lentils removes any debris and helps them cook more evenly.
- Don’t Skip the Bay Leaf: The bay leaf adds a subtle but important layer of flavor. Remember to remove it before serving!
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Simmering the soup allows the flavors to meld together and the lentils to become tender without becoming mushy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Everyone’s palate is different!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
A: Absolutely! Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pot when sautéing the vegetables to compensate for the fat from the bacon.
Q: What kind of lentils should I use?
A: Brown or green lentils work best in this recipe. Red lentils tend to break down more and can make the soup too thick.
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh rosemary?
A: Yes, you can use about 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary. However, fresh herbs will always provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
Q: How long will this soup keep in the refrigerator?
A: This soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
We hope you enjoy this comforting and flavorful Delicious Lentil Soup as much as we do! It’s a perfect dish to share with family and friends on a chilly day.
Delicious Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon diced
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 carrots carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks celery diced
- 1 cup brown or green lentils rinsed
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf bay leaf
- salt to taste salt
- pepper to taste pepper
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary or tarragon
Instructions
- Render bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the pot.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add lentils, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- Remove bay leaf. Stir in cooked bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh rosemary or tarragon.
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