Hearty Lentil Soup with Smoked Meats and Vegetables

Fragrant, thick, and wonderfully satisfying, this lentil soup with smoked meats and vegetables is made for a family lunch or cozy supper. Red lentils break down quickly, giving the broth a silky, almost velvet-like texture, while smoky bacon and sausages bring depth and a mouthwatering aroma.

Ingredients

• Red lentils — 300g (10.6 oz)
• Smoked bacon — 150g (5.3 oz)
• Smoked hunter-style sausages — 150g (5.3 oz)
• Yellow onion — 1
• Carrot — 1
• Celery stalks — 2
• Garlic — 3 cloves
• Tomato paste — 1 tbsp
• Vegetable oil — 1 tbsp
• Vegetable or chicken broth — 1.5L (6 1/3 cups)
• Smoked paprika — 1 tsp
• Bay leaves — 2
• Salt and black pepper — to taste
• Fresh parsley — 10g (1/4 cup)
• Lemon — 1/2, for serving

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.
2. Dice the bacon and sausages. Finely chop the onion, carrot, and celery, then mince the garlic.
3. In a wide pot, cook the bacon over medium heat for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned. Add the sausages and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Set aside a portion of the browned smoked meats for serving.
4. If needed, add the oil. Stir in the onion, carrot, and celery and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
5. Add the garlic, tomato paste, and smoked paprika, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Add the lentils and bay leaves.
7. Reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 20–25 minutes, until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. For an especially creamy texture, use an immersion blender for 2–3 quick pulses, leaving the soup partially chunky.
9. Remove from the heat, stir in the chopped parsley and the juice from 1–2 lemon wedges. Let stand for 5–10 minutes.
10. Serve hot, topped with the reserved smoked meats and fresh herbs. Rye bread or ciabatta is an excellent match.

Serving and Storage

This soup tastes even better the next day. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To freeze, portion it into containers and keep for up to 2 months. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

Tips and Variations

• Lentils: red lentils cook faster and give a creamier texture; green or brown lentils hold their shape and need 10–15 minutes more.
• Smoked meats: swap the bacon for smoked pork belly or add a little smoked ribs for a deeper, more pronounced aroma.
• Meatless version: leave out the smoked meats, increase the smoked paprika to 1 1/2 tsp, add a pinch of cumin, and use vegetable broth.
• Heat: add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Thickness: adjust with water or broth, or partially blend the soup to your liking.

Nutrition per Serving

Item	Amount
Calories	380 kcal
Protein	23 g
Fat	18 g
Carbohydrates	31 g
Fiber	6 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	950 mg

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