French Lentil Bacon Soup

🥣 French Lentil Bacon Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 slices bacon, chopped

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1½ cups French green lentils (du Puy lentils), rinsed

• 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)

• 1 bay leaf

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (if needed)

• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the bacon:
   In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving a bit of bacon fat in the pot.

2. Sauté vegetables:
   Add onion, carrot, and celery to the bacon fat. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.

3. Add lentils and flavor:
   Stir in tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

4. Simmer:
   Add lentils and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.

5. Finish:
   Remove bay leaf. Stir in cooked bacon and red wine vinegar or lemon juice for extra depth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

6. Serve:
   Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread or a drizzle of olive oil.

💡 Q&A

Q1: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
✅ Yes! Skip the bacon and use olive oil for sautéing. You can add smoked paprika or a dash of soy sauce for that smoky flavor.

Q2: What kind of lentils work best?
Use French green lentils (du Puy lentils) — they hold their shape beautifully and give a nutty flavor. Brown lentils also work but may become softer.

Q3: How can I thicken the soup naturally?
Mash a small portion of cooked lentils in the pot with a spoon or immersion blender to make it creamy without adding cream.

Q4: Can I freeze it?
Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove.

Q5: What can I serve it with?
Pair it with crusty baguette, garlic toast, or a green salad for a full French-style meal.