Description
A warm and comforting French Lentil Soup made with smoked turkey bacon, fresh vegetables, and a bouquet of rich herbs. This hearty and nutritious soup offers a perfect balance of protein, earthy lentils, and vibrant herbs in a soul-soothing bowl, perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 bay leaves
Lentils and Protein
- 1 cup French green lentils, rinsed
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, diced
Liquids and Flavorings
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Additions
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent dissolved in warm water (optional)
- Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
- Plant-based yogurt, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil (natural) in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced smoked turkey bacon and cook until it releases its smoky fragrance and turns slightly crispy around the edges. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, stirring frequently until softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Toss in minced garlic, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Allow the aromas to bloom for about one minute to infuse the broth with herbal notes.
- Incorporate Lentils and Liquids: Add rinsed French green lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer gently.
- Simmer Until Tender: Cook the soup for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender but intact and flavors meld beautifully. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Final Touches: Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs. If desired, return the soup to low heat and stir in a teaspoon of natural gelling agent dissolved in warm water to add velvety texture. Serve hot.
Notes
- Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove dust and debris.
- Avoid overcooking lentils to maintain their shape and texture.
- Use fresh thyme and bay leaves for vibrant flavor.
- Sauté vegetables before adding liquids to layer flavors deeply.
- Adjust soup consistency by adding vegetable broth or a natural gelling agent as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: French Lentil Soup, Lentil Soup, Smoked Turkey Bacon Soup, Hearty Soup, Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce, Comfort Food, Plant-Based Soup
