Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Bacon: A Hearty and Flavorful Meal

Lentil soup is a classic comfort food, and this slow cooker version elevates it to a whole new level with the addition of smoky bacon. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep work and allowing the slow cooker to do all the heavy lifting. The result is a rich, flavorful, and satisfying soup that’s perfect for a chilly day. It’s also a budget-friendly and healthy option, packed with protein and fiber.

This lentil soup recipe is extremely versatile, and you can easily adapt it to your liking. Feel free to add more vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or potatoes, or use different types of lentils. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon or substitute it with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this slow cooker lentil soup with bacon is sure to become a family favorite.

Why Use a Slow Cooker?

The slow cooker, also known as a Crock-Pot, is a fantastic kitchen appliance for busy individuals and families. Its low and slow cooking method offers several advantages:

* **Convenience:** Simply add the ingredients to the slow cooker, set the timer, and forget about it. You can go about your day while the soup simmers away.
* **Flavor Development:** Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a richer and more complex taste.
* **Tenderizes Tough Cuts:** The long cooking time breaks down tough cuts of meat, making them incredibly tender and succulent. In this case, it extracts maximum flavor from the bacon.
* **Minimal Effort:** Slow cookers require minimal supervision, freeing up your time for other tasks.
* **Energy Efficiency:** Slow cookers use less energy than ovens, making them an economical choice for long cooking times.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious slow cooker lentil soup with bacon. Don’t be intimidated by the length of the list; most of these are pantry staples.

* **Bacon:** 8 ounces, cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Bacon is the star of the show, adding a smoky and savory flavor to the soup. Use your favorite type of bacon, whether it’s thick-cut, hickory-smoked, or maple-flavored.
* **Lentils:** 1 cup, brown or green lentils, rinsed. Lentils are the base of the soup, providing a hearty and nutritious element. Brown or green lentils work best in this recipe, as they hold their shape well during slow cooking. Red lentils tend to break down and become mushy.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Onion adds a foundational layer of flavor to the soup. Yellow or white onions are both suitable.
* **Carrots:** 2 medium, chopped. Carrots provide sweetness and color to the soup.
* **Celery:** 2 stalks, chopped. Celery adds a subtle, savory flavor and aroma to the soup.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic element to the soup. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
* **Chicken Broth:** 6 cups. Chicken broth provides the liquid base for the soup and adds flavor. You can use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5 ounce) can, undrained. Diced tomatoes add acidity and sweetness to the soup. Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons. Tomato paste adds richness and depth of flavor to the soup.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon. Dried thyme adds a subtle, earthy flavor to the soup.
* **Bay Leaf:** 1. Bay leaf adds a subtle, aromatic flavor to the soup. Remember to remove it before serving.
* **Salt:** To taste. Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Black Pepper:** To taste. Black pepper adds a touch of spice and complexity to the soup.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, sour cream, croutons, lemon wedges.

Equipment

* **Slow Cooker:** A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended.
* **Large Skillet:** For cooking the bacon.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Knife:** For chopping vegetables and bacon.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For measuring ingredients.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part: making the soup! Here’s a detailed guide with step-by-step instructions.

**Step 1: Cook the Bacon**

In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet. The cooked bacon adds a smoky flavor to the soup, and reserving some of the grease allows you to sauté the vegetables for added depth of flavor.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker helps to develop their flavors and create a richer soup.

**Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker**

Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add the rinsed lentils, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Make sure the lentils are submerged in the liquid. If needed, add a little more chicken broth or water.

**Step 4: Cook the Soup**

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time will depend on your slow cooker and the desired consistency of the soup. The lentils should be tender and the flavors should be well-combined.

**Step 5: Add Bacon and Season**

During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, stir in the cooked bacon. This allows the bacon flavor to infuse into the soup without the bacon becoming soggy. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Start with a small amount of salt and pepper and adjust as needed.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, sour cream, croutons, or lemon wedges, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy! This soup is delicious on its own or with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Tips and Variations

* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as diced potatoes, zucchini, spinach, or kale. Add them to the slow cooker along with the other vegetables in Step 3.
* **Use Different Types of Lentils:** While brown or green lentils are recommended, you can experiment with other types of lentils, such as French green lentils (Puy lentils). Keep in mind that different types of lentils may require different cooking times.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the bacon or substitute it with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable broth to the skillet instead of bacon grease.
* **Add Spice:** For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper to the slow cooker along with the other vegetables.
* **Use Smoked Sausage:** If you don’t have bacon on hand, you can substitute it with smoked sausage, such as kielbasa or andouille. Slice the sausage and add it to the skillet along with the vegetables in Step 2.
* **Blend the Soup:** For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup after it has finished cooking. Be careful when blending hot soup.
* **Add a Touch of Acid:** A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar can brighten the flavors of the soup and add a touch of acidity. Add it just before serving.
* **Make it Ahead:** This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually improve as the soup sits.
* **Freeze it:** This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* **Adjust the Consistency:** If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it on the stovetop for a few minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also mash some of the lentils with a fork to thicken the soup.
* **Use Bone Broth:** Substitute chicken broth with bone broth for an extra nutritional boost.
* **Add Herbs:** Fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano can add depth. Add them during the last hour of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker lentil soup with bacon is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even more special:

* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the soup.
* **Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** Pair with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic comfort food combination.
* **Salad:** Serve with a side salad for a light and refreshing meal.
* **Garnishes:** Garnish with fresh parsley, sour cream, croutons, or lemon wedges.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a savory touch.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 6 servings)

* Calories: Approximately 300-350
* Protein: 20-25 grams
* Fat: 15-20 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
* Fiber: 10-15 grams

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freeze:** Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

* **Stovetop:** Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the soup in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Conclusion

This slow cooker lentil soup with bacon is a delicious, easy, and healthy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The smoky bacon adds a depth of flavor that elevates this classic soup to a new level. With minimal prep work and a long, slow cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of comforting and flavorful lentil soup!

Enjoy your culinary adventure!