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Bacon and Lentil Soup

A proper British soup that has been warming people up for centuries. Smoky bacon, red lentils and vegetables create a thick, hearty bowl that eats like a meal for under 50p.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Soup
Cuisine: british
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 150g smoked bacon bits or diced bacon
  • 150g red lentils
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 potato, diced
  • 1 litre vegetable or chicken stock
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • salt and pepper

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the diced bacon and cook for 3-4 minutes until starting to crisp.
  2. Add the onion, carrots and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables are softening.
  3. Add the red lentils, potato, thyme and stock. Stir well and bring to the boil.
  4. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the lentils have broken down and the soup is thick.
  5. Season with salt and pepper. The bacon is already salty so taste before adding extra salt.
  6. Serve in warm bowls with crusty bread for dipping.