Smoky Lentil and Bacon Soup

This fast and easy Smoky Lentil And Bacon Soup is as cozy as your favorite winter sweater. Omit the bacon and use vegetable stock to easily make it vegetarian or vegan! It's simple to prepare using basic ingredients and freezes beautifully. Make a big batch now and save some for later!

Soups should be simple and this recipe is exactly that. It's basic and delicious just the way it is but can also be altered to use up other ingredients in your fridge, try different spices or herbs and different types of lentils.

If you are looking for other easy and nutritious soups check out my recipes for Best Ever Beef and Cabbage Soup, Chickpea Soup with Spinach, Corn and Vegetable Chowder, and Chicken Enchilada Soup.

Ingredients you need to make this soup

• bacon
• onion
• celery
• carrots
• garlic
• cumin
• Smoked Sweet Paprika (affiliate link) , preferably Spanish,
• dried lentils
• chicken or vegetable stock
• fresh or dried parsley
• Other optional ingredients: chopped fresh fennel, mushrooms, potatoes or sweet potatoes, bell peppers, spinach, kale or other hearty greens, sausage, ham or any left over meat, cut into small pieces, herbs such as thyme, rosemary, dill or cilantro.
• Parmesan rind is a great addition especially if you are making this soup vegetarian.

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can! Just omit the bacon and use vegetable stock. The addition of mushrooms would add some great umami!

FAQs about Lentils

Lentils are rich in protein, fiber, iron, and folate which makes this soup a big bowl of nutritious goodness!

Canned or dried lentils? Dried lentils are always best. Not to mention they are more economical and take up less storage space. Canned lentils are fine if you have them and want to use them up, but if you are making a shopping list I recommend picking up some dried lentils.

What type of lentils should I use? You can use any type of lentils for this recipe. I used brown this time but have also used green and French lentils. Red lentils would be my last choice for this particular soup but can still work. Note that they take less time to cook. If you are looking for ways to use up your red lentils check out this recipe for Curried Red Lentil Soup.

How long do they take to cook? Lentils do not need soaking but should be rinsed. Cooking times will vary depending on how fresh they are. After about 20 minutes, taste them and decide if they need more cooking or not. I prefer some texture to mine so I cook them for a bit less time but if you want them to fall apart and be more creamy, cook them longer. Check red lentils after 15 minutes.

How to make this recipe

1. Clean and chop vegetables, garlic, parsley and bacon
2. Rinse lentils under cold water
3. Heat a large pot, over medium heat, and cook bacon until just beginning to brown and crisp.
4. Add onion, celery, carrots, garlic.
5. Saute for approximately 10 minutes or until onions are soft.
6. Add lentils and spices. Stir until lentils are coated in the spices. Add stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer.
7. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until lentils are your desired tenderness.
8. Remove from heat and add chopped parsley.

How to store this soup

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Other Recipes you might like to try

• Warm Lentil Salad With Roasted Vegetables And Bacon
• Curried Red Lentil Soup
• Beans And Greens Soup

As always, post your comments, questions, and ratings at the bottom section of the post. I love hearing from you!

📖 Recipe