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A closer shot of a spoonful of bacon and lentil soup, highlighting the texture of the soup.
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Bacon and Lentil Soup Recipe

This bacon and lentil soup is an easy place to start if you’ve never cooked lentils before.  Simple, everyday ingredients and no complicated techniques --- a delicious soup that turns out well every time!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 386kcal
Author: Neriz

Equipment

  • Chopping board
  • Kitchen knife
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Strainer
  • Medium saucepan with lid

Ingredients

  • 7 to 8 strips bacon
  • 1 clove garlic, thinly chopped
  • 1 small onion, thinly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon flour, heaping
  • 1 small carrot
  • 1 medium potato
  • 3 to 3 & 1/2 cups stock
  • 1/2 cup dried green lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 2 handfuls spinach
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
  • salt and ground black pepper, to season

Instructions

  • Start by placing the bacon bits in a cold, medium-sized saucepan and frying them over medium-high heat until they are crispy.
  • Transfer it into a plate lined with kitchen paper --- to absorb excess oil, then set aside. 
  • Using the same pan (and the bacon oil), saute the garlic and onion until they soften.
  • Add the flour, mix constantly, and cook until it turns brown --- lower the heat to avoid burning the flour.
  • Pour the stock, cover with a lid, adjust the heat back to medium-high, and bring to a boil.
  • Add the drained green lentils, cover, lower the heat, and simmer until they soften.
  • Add the chopped potato and carrot, and continue simmering until tender.
  • Add half a teaspoon of vinegar, the spinach, and the bacon from earlier.
  • Mix, taste, and adjust seasoning by adding salt, ground black pepper, and more vinegar.
  • Put the lid back, turn the heat off, and let it sit for a few more minutes.
  • Transfer to bowls and garnish with more bacon, if preferred --- serve!

Notes

  • Cook’s Tip:  Remember not to pour all the stock right away.  Start with 3 cups; if you prefer more liquid, add more at the end, then taste and adjust the seasoning.
  • Refer to the post for more tips and suggestions.

Nutrition

Calories: 386kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 581mg | Potassium: 905mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 3526IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 3mg