Description
This comforting and nutritious French Lentil Soup features smoky turkey bacon, hearty French green lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a fragrant vegetable broth, finished with a touch of apple cider vinegar for bright acidity. It is a flavorful and wholesome meal perfect for cozy days.
Ingredients
Scale
Lentils and Broth
- 1 cup French green lentils
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 bay leaves
Protein and Fats
- 4 slices smoky turkey bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook gently until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic toward the end to avoid burning.
- Add smoky turkey bacon: Incorporate chopped turkey bacon and sauté until it releases its flavor and becomes slightly crispy, infusing the base with smoky richness.
- Mix in lentils and herbs: Add the French green lentils, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Stir well to coat and combine evenly.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes until lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
- Finish with acidity and seasoning: Remove bay leaves. Stir in apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavor to your preference.
Notes
- Use French green lentils for the best texture, as they hold their shape better than other lentils.
- Simmer the soup gently on low heat to meld flavors without breaking the lentils too much.
- Adjust broth amount or cooking time to achieve desired soup thickness; simmer uncovered for thicker consistency or add more broth to thin.
- Add delicate herbs like parsley at the end for fresh flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar is important to brighten and balance the soup’s flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
Keywords: French Lentil Soup, Lentil Soup, Smoky Lentil Soup, Healthy Soup, Cozy Winter Soup, Plant-based Soup
