Lentil Bacon Soup

I made this soup the other day for lunch.

So good!

I cooked up some bacon, used the drippings to saute up some onions,

 then added big chunks of carrots. 

It turned out scrumptious.

Throw a couple of wheat crackers on the side and enjoy! I know I did.

Lentil Bacon Soup

4 slices bacon, cut up

1 medium onion, chopped

4 carrots, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 bay leaves

4 sprigs of thyme

Pinch of red pepper flakes

5 cups chicken stock

1 1/2 cups green lentils

Salt and pepper

In a large pot, brown bacon in a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat until slightly crisp. Remove from pot with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Add onion to the drippings in the same pot and saute for 3-4 minutes. Add carrots and continue sauteing for a few minutes more. Add garlic, bay leaves, thyme and pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute.

Add stock and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until carrots are semi-tender. Add washed lentils and reserved bacon. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer with lid vented for 20-25 minutes or until lentils are desired tenderness, adding more liquid if needed or desired. Remove bay leaves and check for seasoning, adding salt and pepper if desired.

Serve with a dollop of creme fraiche or sour cream, if desired.