Smokey bacon and lentil soup
September 7, 2010 in grains and pulses, Soups
In the hope to chow more legumes, I thought why not joosh up lentils with smokey bacon, tart tomatoes and a bit of cumin and smoked paprika in a soup?
Yes, it’s not quite a summery dish, but in my mind I felt like I was getting thinner by the minute whilst eating it(even with the bacon in!), being low GI and all…humour me people! I would eat this on a blistering hot day it’s so good!
Even our “fearing things bean-like” male guests inhaled this dish! They were going for 2nds and 3rds during the rugby match! Was quite a sight!
I hardly cook with lentils, but I’m starting to come to the conclusion that they are awesome little things…healthy, low GI and absorbs flavours so nicely! So now they are on my shopping list every month!
Smokey bacon and lentil soup
You will need:
Glug of olive oil
500 g shoulder bacon, diced
1 large onion, chopped
2 ml cumin
2 ml smoked paprika
2 sticks celery, finely chopped
2 large carrots, grated
1 cup of lentils
1 L of prepared vegetable stock (I used Nomu)
1 tin whole plum tomatoes
a handful of flat leaf parsley, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan shavings
In a medium pot, heat a little olive oil and fry the bacon until slightly crispy. Remove from the pot and set aside.
In the bacon juices, saute the onions and spices until soft and glossy.
Now add the celery and carrots and saute over a gentle heat until softened.
Stir in the lentisl, followed by the stock and tomatoes, cover and bring to the boil. Then turn down the heat and simmer for 20 – 30 minutes or until lentils are tender and the flavours have developed nicely. Stir in the parsley.
Adjust seasoning by adding some freshly ground salt and pepper. Top with parmesan shavings.
Serve with crusty bread.
TIP: If you don’t eat bacon, you can replace with chicken rashers or leave it out completely. OR try chorizo sausage!
C xx
tandy.sinclair said on September 7, 2010
I have a lovely red lentil soup recipe – reminds me to give it a showing at home soon!
Zabwan said on September 7, 2010
This sounds wonderful! I love legumes, but haven’t found a man yet who will admit to liking them, lol
janicetripepi said on September 8, 2010
Yummm …. i just love lentil soup! Carey i made your bread last night – poor max is not eating carbsa the moment – he just about platzed! We had some spaghetti arabiata – with your bread – i thought he was going to cry!!! xxxxx jan
neldavs said on September 8, 2010
mmm sounds deliciuos
leaineskitchen said on September 8, 2010
Beautiful recipe and your pics are stunning, as usual
sharonsmit said on September 8, 2010
I dont think I’ve ever eaten lentils… not that I can remember at the moment! The soups looks and sounds delish – perfect for these inbetween days (thats still coming!)! I bought some spotted beans – dying to make a rustic bean soup! xx
BITSOFCAREY said on September 8, 2010
thanks love! x
BITSOFCAREY said on September 8, 2010
ha ha that is sooo funny! i think I know what he feels like, I’m also trying to cut down, but it’s a tad hard when working with the stuff all the time! glad he approved! xx
BITSOFCAREY said on September 8, 2010
he he, try it, i think they might give in!x
BITSOFCAREY said on September 8, 2010
ooh rustic bean soup, sounds good to me!! x