Lentil & Bacon Soup Recipe 🍲
Overview:
This hearty Lentil & Bacon Soup is perfect for those chilly winter nights when you crave something warm and comforting. It’s a delightful blend of earthy lentils, savory bacon, and aromatic vegetables, simmered together to create a rich and flavorful dish. Serve it alongside some homemade cornbread with maple butter and crispy fried potatoes for a satisfying meal that will warm you from the inside out. With its simple preparation and wholesome ingredients, this soup is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and nutritious meal in less than an hour.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried lentils
- 8 cups cold water
- 1 can tomatoes
- 4-5 slices bacon
- 1 onion
- 2 carrots
- 3 sprigs parsley
- 2 tablespoons wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
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Preparation: Start by gathering all the ingredients listed above. Rinse the dried lentils under cold water and drain them well. Dice the onion and carrots, mince the garlic clove, and chop the parsley.
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Cooking: In a Dutch oven or large pot, combine the dried lentils, cold water, canned tomatoes (including the juice), diced onion, sliced bacon, chopped carrots, minced garlic, chopped parsley, wine vinegar, salt, dried oregano, pepper, and bay leaf.
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Simmer: Cover the pot with a lid and bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, covered, for about 45 minutes.
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Serve: After simmering, remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard it. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle the hot Lentil & Bacon Soup into bowls and serve it piping hot.
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Garnish: For an extra burst of flavor and freshness, you can garnish each bowl of soup with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.
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Enjoy: Serve this delicious Lentil & Bacon Soup alongside some crusty bread or homemade cornbread with a dollop of maple butter for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 241.9
- Fat Content: 2.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 2.7mg
- Sodium Content: 639.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 39.4g
- Fiber Content: 18.8g
- Sugar Content: 4g
- Protein Content: 16g
Recipe Notes:
- Customization: Feel free to customize this Lentil & Bacon Soup according to your preferences. You can add other vegetables like celery or spinach, or even swap the bacon for smoked sausage or ham for a different flavor profile.
- Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it in individual portions for longer storage. Just be sure to thaw and reheat it thoroughly before serving.
- Reheating: To reheat the soup, simply transfer it to a pot and warm it over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through, until hot.
This Lentil & Bacon Soup recipe is a wholesome and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy its comforting flavors and nutritious ingredients with your loved ones on those cold winter evenings! 🥣🥓