Description
French Lentil Soup is a comforting and nutritious bowl combining smoky turkey bacon, fresh vegetables, and hearty French green lentils. Perfect for cooler days, this flavorful soup offers a rich, well-balanced texture with savory and aromatic elements that nourish both body and soul.
Ingredients
Scale
Lentils and Broth
- 1 cup French green lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Protein and Seasoning
- 4 slices smoky turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté gently until the vegetables are softened and aromatic, creating a solid foundation of flavor.
- Add Turkey Bacon and Seasonings: Toss in the chopped smoky turkey bacon and cook until the pieces begin to crisp and release their flavor. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), tomato paste (natural), thyme, and bay leaves, allowing the spices to bloom in the heat.
- Incorporate Lentils and Broth: Add the rinsed French green lentils followed by the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a steady simmer. Cover the pot and cook gently for 35-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
- Season and Finish: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Remove bay leaves and thyme stems if used whole. Stir the soup one last time to blend all the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any debris for a clean taste.
- Simmer soup gently to maintain lentil texture without becoming mushy.
- Sautéing vegetables and bacon first enhances depth of flavor.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for a bright, fragrant soup.
- Adjust salt and pepper at the end to make flavors pop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: French Lentil Soup, Lentil Soup, Smoky Turkey Bacon Soup, Hearty Soup, Comfort Food, Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce
