Looking for a warm, filling soup? This French Lentil Bacon Soup Recipe is perfect. It’s easy to make and tastes amazing.
The French lentils are tiny and green. They hold their shape beautifully while cooking. Crispy bacon adds a smoky flavor everyone loves.
This soup is healthy and satisfying. You can make it in about 45 minutes. Perfect for cold days or busy weeknights. Learn how to make French Lentil Bacon Soup today.
Your family will ask for seconds. This French Lentil Bacon Soup Recipe will become your favorite. Let’s get cooking!
When I First Introduced to French Lentil Bacon Soup
I discovered this soup at a small cafe. It was raining outside and I felt cold. The server recommended their special lentil soup.
One spoonful changed everything for me. The bacon was crispy and flavorful. The lentils were tender but not mushy. The broth tasted rich and comforting.
I went home and tried making it. After a few attempts, I perfected the recipe. Now I make it every month. My kids love it with crusty bread.
Equipment List
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients You Need for French Lentil Bacon Soup
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ cups French green lentils
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step-by-Step Guide
- Put the chopped bacon in your pot.
- Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Stir occasionally until it gets crispy.
- Remove bacon and set aside.
- Leave some bacon fat in the pot.
- Add olive oil to the pot.
- Toss in onion, carrots, and celery.
- Cook for 5 minutes until soft.
- Add the minced garlic next.
- Cook for one more minute.
- Stir everything well.
- Pour in the French green lentils.
- Add your broth, bay leaf, and thyme.
- Bring everything to a boil.
- Then reduce heat to low.
- Let it simmer gently.
- Cover the pot and cook for 30 minutes.
- Check if lentils are tender but firm.
- They shouldn’t be mushy or falling apart.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
- Add most of the crispy bacon back.
- Stir it in gently.
- Save some bacon for topping.
- Serve hot in bowls.
Tips to Make the Best French Lentil Bacon Soup
- Don’t skip rinsing the lentils before cooking.
- Use French green lentils, not red ones.
- Red lentils get too soft and mushy.
- Add bacon at the end for texture.
- Don’t overcook or lentils turn to mush.
- Taste before adding salt since bacon is salty.
- Let soup rest 10 minutes before serving.
- The flavors blend together better this way.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 4 days.
FAQs about French Lentil Bacon Soup
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Yes, skip the bacon completely. Use vegetable broth and add smoked paprika instead.
Q: Do I need to soak the lentils?
A: No, French lentils don’t need soaking. Just rinse them before using in the recipe.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, it freezes beautifully for 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Q: What can I serve with this soup?
A: Crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a salad. Garlic bread also pairs wonderfully with this soup.
Q: Can I use regular lentils instead?
A: Yes, but they may get softer. French lentils hold their shape better than others.
Final Thoughts
This French Lentil Bacon Soup Recipe is simple. It’s perfect for beginners and experts alike. The ingredients for French Lentil Bacon Soup are easy.
You probably have most of them already. Now you know how to make French Lentil Bacon Soup. It’s healthy, delicious, and budget-friendly too.
Make a big batch for the week. Share it with friends and family. They’ll love you for it.
More Amazing Recipes
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- Martha Stewart Blueberry Muffins Recipe
French Lentil Bacon Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1½ cups French green lentils
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Put the chopped bacon in your pot.
- Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Stir occasionally until it gets crispy.
- Remove bacon and set aside.
- Leave some bacon fat in the pot.
- Add olive oil to the pot.
- Toss in onion, carrots, and celery.
- Cook for 5 minutes until soft.
- Add the minced garlic next.
- Cook for one more minute.
- Stir everything well.
- Pour in the French green lentils.
- Add your broth, bay leaf, and thyme.
- Bring everything to a boil.
- Then reduce heat to low.
- Let it simmer gently.
- Cover the pot and cook for 30 minutes.
- Check if lentils are tender but firm.
- They shouldn’t be mushy or falling apart.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
- Add most of the crispy bacon back.
- Stir it in gently.
- Save some bacon for topping.
- Serve hot in bowls.
Notes
- Don’t skip rinsing the lentils before cooking.
- Use French green lentils, not red ones.
- Red lentils get too soft and mushy.
- Add bacon at the end for texture.
- Don’t overcook or lentils turn to mush.
- Taste before adding salt since bacon is salty.
- Let soup rest 10 minutes before serving.
- The flavors blend together better this way.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 4 days.
