Description
Cozy up with this nourishing and flavorful French Lentil Soup, filled with smoky turkey bacon, fresh garden vegetables, and a blend of savory herbs. This hearty and wholesome soup offers warmth and satisfaction, perfect for any chilly evening or whenever you crave comforting, nutritious food.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup French lentils, rinsed
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (natural)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (natural)
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt to taste (sea salt)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Your Base: Finely chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté the vegetables gently until they are soft and fragrant. This soft veggie mix forms the flavorful foundation of your soup.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Add the chopped smoked turkey bacon to the pot and cook until slightly crisp, releasing a smoky aroma that infuses the soup.
- Add Lentils and Tomato Paste: Stir in the rinsed French lentils and the tomato paste. Mix well to coat the lentils and vegetables, balancing the smoky bacon with brightness and richness.
- Pour in Vegetable Stock and Season: Pour in the vegetable stock, ensuring the mixture is covered by a couple of inches of liquid. Add bay leaves, fresh thyme, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Bring everything to a simmer.
- Simmer Until Tender: Lower the heat and let the soup gently bubble for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Check the lentils for tenderness as they soften and flavors meld.
- Final Adjustments: Remove the bay leaves and taste the soup. Adjust salt and pepper as desired. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of water or vegetable stock to achieve your preferred consistency. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use French lentils as they hold their shape well during cooking.
- Simmer the soup gently to develop deep, complex flavors.
- Toast the tomato paste with the vegetables to enhance its sweetness and richness.
- Reserve some cooked smoked turkey bacon bits to sprinkle on top for added texture and flavor.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and help blend flavors evenly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: French lentil soup, smoky turkey bacon soup, hearty lentil soup, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, nourishing soup, comfort food, plant-based flavors
