Indulge in the rich, smoky flavors of this hearty Lentil Bacon Soup, balanced perfectly with tender potatoes and a savory broth. It’s a comforting bowl of warmth, ideal for colder days or when you need something deeply satisfying.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients (For Four People)
- 200 grams of dry lentils
- 150 grams bacon, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 liters of chicken, beef, or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
1 tablespoon is approximately 15 ml, and a teaspoon is approximately 5 ml.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Rinse the lentil
Rinse the lentils under cold water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, allowing the fat to render.
Step 3: Add the vegetables
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced carrot to the pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Step 4: Stir together
Stir in the diced potatoes and smoked paprika, coating everything well with the seasoning.
Step 5: Add the lentils
Add the rinsed lentils and broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 45-50 minutes or until the lentils and potatoes are tender.
Step 6: Partial blending
Once the soup is cooked, partially blend it using a hand blender, leaving some lentils and potato chunks for texture.
Step 7: Final seasoning
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips and Tricks
- Bacon Quality: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality, smoky bacon, as it forms the base of the soup’s rich taste.
- Adjust Thickness: If the soup thickens too much while cooling, add more broth and reheat.
- Smoky Flavor: Smoked paprika adds an extra layer of smoky richness. For a more robust flavor, increase the amount slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Lentil Bacon Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm rolls, perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich, smoky broth. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the soup’s hearty flavors. For a more filling meal, serve the soup with roasted root vegetables or a baked potato.
To elevate the presentation, garnish the soup with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy touch, or sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits on top for added crunch. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can add a bright, tangy note to balance the bacon’s smokiness and the lentils’ richness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Dietary Modifications
- Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and increase the smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. You can also add extra vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to enhance the heartiness of the dish.
- Vegan: Replace the bacon with a plant-based bacon alternative or use smoked tofu. Opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth, and add a touch of nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free: This soup is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the broth to ensure it is gluten-free.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and reduce the amount of added salt to make this dish more heart-healthy. You can also swap regular bacon for a reduced-sodium variety or use less bacon to cut down on sodium.
Storage Suggestions
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
About Lentil Bacon Soup
Lentil Bacon Soup is a comforting dish that combines the hearty, earthy flavors of lentils with the smoky richness of bacon. Lentils have been cultivated for thousands of years in the Near East and Mediterranean regions. They spread across Europe, becoming a staple in traditional European peasant cuisine due to their affordability, high protein content, and versatility. Bacon, a beloved ingredient in many European cultures, adds a savory depth to the soup, turning a simple meal into something rich and satisfying. Today, lentil bacon soup is enjoyed worldwide for its warmth, flavor, and nourishment.
Cultural Context
Lentil soups are prominent in many culinary traditions, particularly across Europe and the Mediterranean, where lentils have been a staple food for centuries. Lentils were one of the earliest domesticated crops and have been valued for their nutritional benefits and adaptability to various dishes. In Eastern European countries like Bulgaria, lentil soups are a familiar comfort food, often served during colder months and enriched with vegetables or meats like bacon or sausage. Adding bacon to this soup brings a smoky and savory element, making it a perfect meal for the winter months. This combination is beloved in Bulgarian cuisine for its hearty and nourishing qualities, representing a bridge between simple, rural traditions and rich, flavorful meals.