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French Lentil Soup with Bacon: A Hearty Delight!

A hearty and flavorful French Lentil Soup with Bacon, perfect for a comforting meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Soup
Cuisine: French
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 ounces bacon diced
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup French green lentils rinsed
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper adjust to taste
  • 2 cups kale chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Method
 

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
  3. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaf, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the rinsed lentils, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
  6. If using, stir in the chopped kale and cooked bacon during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  7. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Finish with a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgFiber: 10gSugar: 2g

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for extra heartiness and nutrition.

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