Description
A hearty and comforting French Lentil Soup featuring firm French lentils, smoky turkey bacon, and fresh vegetables. This nutritious and flavorful soup combines tender lentils, aromatic herbs, and a touch of apple cider vinegar for brightness. Perfect as a filling meal any time of year, with flexible options for customization.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup French lentils (lentilles du Puy), rinsed
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 3 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Finely dice the yellow onion, celery, and carrots. Mince the garlic cloves and chop the smoked turkey bacon into bite-size pieces. Rinse the French lentils under cold water and set aside.
- Sauté the Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the smoked turkey bacon and cook until slightly crisp and golden, releasing its smoky aroma. Then add onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing gently until softened and fragrant. Toss in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir everything together, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
- Finish with Flavor: Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf from the soup. Stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar and season with sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as necessary to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the French Lentil Soup into bowls and garnish as desired. Enjoy it hot, paired with your favorite bread or salad for an inviting meal.
Notes
- Use French lentils for the best texture as they hold their shape during cooking.
- A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens the flavors and balances the richness.
- Simmering gently helps develop deep flavors without breaking down the lentils.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to speed up cooking.
- Adjust soup thickness by adding more broth or simmering uncovered.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: French lentil soup, lentilles du Puy, smoked turkey bacon soup, hearty lentil soup, nutritious soup, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce soup
