Description
Warm up your evenings with a hearty and wholesome French Lentil Soup featuring smoky turkey bacon and vibrant vegetables. This satisfying and nourishing recipe blends rustic flavors and rich textures into an easy-to-make dish that offers comforting warmth in every spoonful. Ideal for weeknight dinners or simple gatherings, this timeless classic is packed with protein and vegetables, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup French green lentils, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 ounces smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 6 cups vegetable stock
- 2 teaspoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil (natural) in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté gently for about 8 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Add minced garlic last and cook for an additional minute to prevent burning.
- Introduce the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Add the chopped smoked turkey bacon to the pot. Cook until slightly crisp and aromatic, allowing its smoky flavor to infuse the vegetables.
- Build Flavors with Tomato Paste and Seasoning: Stir in the tomato paste (natural) and cook for 2 minutes, letting it lightly caramelize. Add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), bay leaves, and fresh thyme to deepen the flavor profile.
- Add Lentils and Vegetable Stock: Pour in the rinsed French green lentils and cover with vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a slow simmer. Partially cover the pot with a lid.
- Simmer Gently: Let the soup simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Simmer until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
- Final Touches: Remove the bay leaves and adjust seasoning if needed. Add fresh thyme leaves for a bright herbal finish. For a thicker soup consistency, mash a small portion of the lentils with a fork or incorporate a natural gelling agent to achieve the desired texture.
Notes
- Use French green lentils to maintain the soup’s signature texture as they hold their shape well.
- Simmer gently for balanced flavors and to prevent lentils from breaking down too much.
- Take your time sautéing the vegetables to release full aromatics and depth in flavor.
- Adjust the consistency with a natural gelling agent or by mashing some lentils for creamier texture.
- Allow the soup to rest off heat before serving to enhance the mingling of flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: French Lentil Soup, lentils, smoked turkey bacon, vegetable soup, cozy meal, wholesome soup, easy dinner, plant-based options
