Lentil and bacon soup is a delightful combination that brings comfort and flavor to the dinner table. The earthiness of lentils paired with the savory richness of bacon creates a satisfying dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. In this article, we’ll explore 7 delicious lentil and bacon soup recipes that you absolutely need to try. 🍲🥓
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1. Classic Lentil and Bacon Soup
This classic recipe is a staple in many households and is cherished for its warmth and heartiness.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until soft.
- Add lentils, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Stir in bacon before serving.
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2. Smoky Lentil and Bacon Soup
This soup adds a smoky flavor to your traditional lentil soup by incorporating smoked paprika.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils
- 4 slices of smoked bacon, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the bacon in a large pot until crispy; remove and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until soft.
- Stir in the lentils, smoked paprika, broth, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25-30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
- Add bacon before serving.
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3. Creamy Lentil and Bacon Soup
For a comforting twist, this creamy soup is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a pot, cook bacon until crispy; remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion and carrots in the bacon fat until soft.
- Add lentils, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Simmer until lentils are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and bacon before serving.
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4. Spicy Lentil and Bacon Soup
If you like a little heat, this recipe adds a kick with chili powder.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook bacon in a large pot until crispy and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic in the bacon fat until soft.
- Add lentils, chili powder, broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce to simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Stir in bacon before serving.
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5. Hearty Lentil and Bacon Soup with Kale
Adding kale not only enhances the nutritional value but also the flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils
- 4 slices of bacon, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 bunch of kale, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a pot, cook the bacon until crispy and set aside.
- Sauté onion and carrots in the bacon fat until soft.
- Add lentils and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in kale until wilted.
- Add salt, pepper, and bacon before serving.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Hearty+Lentil+and+Bacon+Soup+with+Kale" alt="Hearty Lentil and Bacon Soup with Kale" /> </div>
6. Lentil and Bacon Soup with Potatoes
This version incorporates potatoes for extra heartiness.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils
- 4 slices of bacon, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook bacon until crispy; remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion and potatoes in bacon fat until onions are translucent.
- Add lentils and vegetable broth; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until lentils and potatoes are tender.
- Stir in bacon before serving.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Lentil+and+Bacon+Soup+with+Potatoes" alt="Lentil and Bacon Soup with Potatoes" /> </div>
7. Lentil and Bacon Soup with Carrots and Celery
This soup features classic mirepoix ingredients for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook bacon until crispy and set aside.
- Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in bacon fat until soft.
- Add lentils and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Stir in bacon before serving.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Lentil+and+Bacon+Soup+with+Carrots+and+Celery" alt="Lentil and Bacon Soup with Carrots and Celery" /> </div>
Lentil and bacon soups not only offer a delightful combination of flavors but also provide essential nutrients. 🍽️ Incorporate these recipes into your meal rotation and enjoy the savory goodness they bring.