Hairy Bikers Bacon And Lentil Soup Recipe

This Hairy Bikers Bacon and Lentil Soup Recipe is a hearty and savory soup, which includes red lentils and smoked bacon lardons. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 50 minutes.

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Hairy Bikers Bacon And Lentil Soup Recipe Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 200g smoked bacon lardons
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 celery sticks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 250g red split lentils, rinsed
• 1.5 litres chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

How To Make Hairy Bikers Bacon And Lentil Soup Recipe

1. Cook the bacon: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Fry the bacon lardons until crisp, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, cook chopped onions, carrots, and celery for 10-12 minutes until softened. Add crushed garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Simmer the soup: Stir in tomato purée, then add rinsed lentils, stock, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender.
4. Blend (optional): Remove bay leaf. Blend some or all of the soup if desired for a smoother texture.
5. Finish and serve: Stir in most of the crispy bacon. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with remaining bacon and chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Can I make it vegetarian? Yes, skip the bacon and use vegetable stock.
• How to make it creamier: Blend all the soup or stir in a splash of cream or yogurt at the end.
• Can I use green lentils? Yes, but they take longer to cook and will have a firmer texture.
• How to thicken the soup: Blend a portion or simmer uncovered for longer.
• What other toppings can I add? Try croutons, grated cheese, or a swirl of crème fraîche.

What To Serve With Bacon And Lentil Soup

This soup pairs well with:

• Crusty bread or garlic toast
• Cheese scones
• Simple green salad
• Grilled cheese sandwiches
• Buttered rye bread

How To Store Bacon And Lentil Soup

Refrigerate: Cool and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat thoroughly.

Bacon And Lentil Soup Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/6 of the recipe)
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 750mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 12g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 25g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use pancetta instead of bacon?
Yes, pancetta works well and adds a similar salty flavor.

Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, if using gluten-free stock.

Can I add potatoes?
Yes, diced potatoes can be added with the vegetables.

What if my soup is too thick?
Add extra stock or water to thin it out.

How do I make it spicy?
Add chili flakes or a chopped red chili with the garlic.

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Kedgeree Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Chutney Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe