Hearty lentil, bacon and vegetable soup

Hey y'all! When the weather calls for something cozy and satisfying, nothing beats a bowl of Hearty Lentil, Bacon and Vegetable Soup. This comforting recipe brings together smoky bacon, earthy lentils, and a medley of tender vegetables in a rich, savory broth. It's perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a delicious lunch that warms you from the inside out. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This

• Loaded with protein and fiber for lasting fullness.
• Simple to prepare with everyday ingredients.
• Smoky bacon adds irresistible flavor to every spoonful.
• Customizable for dietary needs or extra veggies.
• Great for batch cooking and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 ½ cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt, to taste
• 1 cup chopped kale or spinach (optional, for extra greens)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Prep Your Ingredients

1. Chop bacon, onions, carrots, celery, red bell pepper, garlic, and (if using) kale or spinach. Rinse lentils under cool water and drain well.

Cook the Bacon

2. In a large Dutch oven or Soup pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons bacon fat in the pot.

Sauté the Aromatics

3. Add onion, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Build the Soup Base

4. Add rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with juices), smoked paprika, thyme, black pepper, bay leaf, and cooked bacon to the pot. Pour in broth and stir to combine.

Simmer to Perfection

5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes or until lentils are tender. Stir occasionally and check seasoning halfway through. Add salt to taste.

Finish and Serve

6. Stir in chopped kale or spinach and simmer uncovered for 3-4 minutes, until greens wilt. Remove the bay leaf. Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and enjoy warm!

Notes

• Use smoked paprika for deeper flavor; regular paprika can be substituted if needed.
• If using green or French lentils, check for firmness at 30 minutes—cooking times may vary slightly.
• For a thicker soup, mash some lentils with the back of a spoon after cooking.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and use all vegetable broth; add 1 teaspoon liquid smoke for depth.
• Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the aromatics.
• Herb-Forward: Toss in extra fresh rosemary or thyme for extra herbal aroma.

Required Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or soup pot
• Slotted spoon
• Chef's knife and cutting board
• Ladle

Storage Instructions

• Let soup cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the soup.

Suggested Pairings and Serving Recommendations

• Crusty sourdough or French bread for dunking
• Topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche
• Serve with a green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette for a complete meal

Pro Tips

• Sautéing the bacon first builds a flavorful base for the soup—don't skip this step!
• Use homemade stock for even richer flavor, if you have it.
• Let the soup rest, covered, for 15 minutes before serving for the flavors to meld.

FAQ

Can I use red lentils instead of brown or green?

Red lentils will cook faster and become mushier, resulting in a creamier soup texture. If you like that, go for it!

How do I make this soup gluten-free?

This soup is naturally gluten-free—just verify your broth is certified gluten-free.

Can I cook this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the bacon and aromatics first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

★★★★★ 4.50 from 46 ratings

Hearty Lentil, Bacon and Vegetable Soup

yield: 6 servings

prep: 20 mins

cook: 45 mins

total: 50 mins

A comforting and flavorful soup loaded with lentils, smoky bacon, and a medley of fresh vegetables. This hearty soup makes a nourishing meal perfect for chilly evenings.

🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. 1
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
2. 2
   Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. 3
   Add rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes with juices, broth, bay leaf, and cooked bacon. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
4. 4
   Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes until lentils are tender and soup has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5
   Remove bay leaf. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 320cal

Protein: 17 gg

Fat: 11 gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 38 gg

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Net Carbs: 0g

Vitamin A: 0

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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