Lentil Soup with Apple and Bacon

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: ~380 per serving

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, chopped

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 apple, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp or Gala works great)

• 1 ½ cups dried green or brown lentils, rinsed

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1–2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon: In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove half the bacon and set aside for topping, leaving the rest and grease in the pot.

2. Sauté veggies: Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.

3. Add apple & spices: Stir in the diced apple, smoked paprika, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute.

4. Add lentils & broth: Stir in lentils and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

5. Simmer: Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes or until lentils are tender.

6. Adjust seasoning: Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with reserved crispy bacon and fresh parsley.