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Lentil, Bacon and Bean Soup

4 reviews
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep: 15 min. Cook: 30 min.

Makes

8 servings (2 quarts)

Updated: Sep. 22, 2023
This quick soup feels extra cozy with lots of lentils and a touch of smoky, bacony goodness. You might want to cook extra since I think it's even better the next day! —Janie Zirbser, Mullica Hill, New Jersey
Lentil, Bacon and Bean Soup
Lentil, Bacon and Bean Soup Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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Ingredients

  • 4 bacon strips, chopped
  • 6 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 small onions, diced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 5 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup dry white wine or additional chicken stock
  • 2 cans (15 to 16 ounces each) butter beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) lentils, rinsed and drained
  • Fresh thyme sprigs, optional

Directions

  1. In a Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Cook and stir carrots and onions in bacon drippings until crisp-tender, 3-4 minutes. Add tomato paste, garlic, thyme and pepper; cook 1 minute longer.
  2. Add stock and wine; increase heat to medium-high. Cook 2 minutes, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Stir in butter beans, lentils and bacon. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 5 minutes. Uncover; continue simmering until vegetables are tender, 15-20 minutes. Garnish with thyme sprigs if desired.

Test Kitchen tips
  • Top with a dollop of sour cream for a cool flavor contrast.
  • Use shredded chicken or turkey as a leaner alternative to bacon.
  • Butter bean or lima bean, it's pretty much the same thing—although butter bean sounds a little more appealing to us.

    • Nutrition Facts

    1 cup: 271 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 13g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 medium-fat meat.