Description

This Lentil and Vegetable Soup is a nourishing and flavorful dish combining fresh vegetables, hearty brown lentils, and smoky smoked turkey bacon for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any season. Easy to prepare with pantry staples, it offers rich, layered flavors and vibrant colors in every spoonful.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

1 cup brown lentils, rinsed
4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)

Greens and Garnishes

2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
4 slices smoked turkey slices (for garnish)
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Herbs and Spices

1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme

Flavor Enhancers

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (e.g., pectin, agar, carrageenan)

Instructions

Prepare the smoky base: Sauté the chopped smoked turkey bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy and fragrant, releasing smoky aromas that form the flavor foundation.
Sauté vegetables: Add diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Build the soup: Stir in the tomato paste (natural), cumin, smoked paprika, and thyme, coating the vegetables evenly to bring out depth and warmth. Then add the rinsed brown lentils and vegetable broth.
Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the flavors meld beautifully. Stir occasionally and adjust heat to avoid boiling.
Finish with greens and flavor enhancers: Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and add a splash of apple cider vinegar (natural) for brightness. Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent if you prefer a slightly thickened texture, stirring well to combine.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with smoked turkey slices and freshly chopped herbs if desired for an inviting and flavorful finish.

Notes

Rinse lentils well before cooking to remove any grit and improve texture.
Toast spices briefly in the pot before adding liquids to unlock full aroma and flavor.
Use both smoked turkey bacon and smoked turkey slices for a more pronounced smoky depth.
Keep the soup at a gentle simmer to keep the lentils intact and prevent the soup from getting mushy.
Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and acidity last to achieve the best flavor balance.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 220
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 12g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: lentil soup, vegetable soup, smoked turkey bacon, healthy soup, gluten free soup, plant-based options, comforting soup