Hearty & Smoky: Grandma’s Lentil, Bacon, and Bean Soup
If you are looking for a soup that is incredibly thick, deeply savory, and packed with old-school country flavor, Grandma’s Lentil, Bacon, and Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort in a bowl. This rustic recipe combines earthy lentils and tender beans with the rich, smoky goodness of crispy bacon, all slow-simmered in a beautifully seasoned broth.
It is a thick, stick-to-your-ribs kind of soup that transforms humble pantry staples into a spectacular, deeply satisfying meal that will leave your whole family feeling warm, full, and thoroughly comforted!
Why You’ll Love Grandma’s Lentil and Bean Soup
A Smoky Flavor Explosion: The bacon isn’t just an afterthought—it serves as the flavorful foundation of the entire soup, infusing every single bean and lentil with rich, smoky depth.
Incredibly Packed with Protein: Between the hearty lentils and the tender beans, this soup is a nutritional powerhouse that is naturally filling and energy-boosting.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Like many of Grandma’s best slow-cooked dishes, this soup actually tastes even better the next day as the rich flavors have time to marry together in the fridge!
Grandma’s Special Tips for the Perfect Lentil & Bean Soup
Build Flavor in the Bacon Fat: Don’t you dare pour out that liquid gold after crisping up your bacon! Leave a couple of tablespoons right in the bottom of the pot to sauté your onions, carrots, and celery. Cooking your veggies in the leftover bacon fat is Grandma’s ultimate secret to building an unforgettable layer of savory flavor.
Layer the Bacon Textures: For the absolute best experience, chop your bacon before cooking and fry it until completely crispy. Stir half of it directly into the soup during the final minutes of simmering so it flavors the broth, and save the other half to sprinkle right on top of each bowl at the table for a gorgeous, crunchy contrast!
Control the Thickness: Lentils are naturally starchy and will continue to absorb liquid as they sit. If your soup becomes a bit too thick or stew-like when reheating the next day, simply splash in a little extra chicken broth or water to bring it back to your perfect, velvety soup consistency.
Hearty & Smoky: Grandma’s Lentil, Bacon, and Bean Soup
Equipment
- 1 large Dutch oven (with a lid)
- 1 large spoon
- 1 knife
- paper towel
- 1 large Slotted spoon
Ingredients
- 6 medium carrots, chopped
- 4 bacon strips, chopped
- 2 Tbsps tomato paste
- 1 tsp minced fresh thyme
- 2 small onions, diced
- ½ tsp pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 cups chicken stock
- 2 cans (15 oz. each) cooked lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup dry white wine or additional chicken stock
- 2 cans (15 to 16 oz. each) butter beans, rinsed and drained
- 6 fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions
- In the large dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, and drain the bacon on paper towels.
- Cook and stir the carrots and the onions in the bacon drippings, until crisp and tender about 4 minutes.
- Add the garlic, thyme, tomato paste and pepper. Let this cook for about 1 to 2 minutes longer.
- Add the chicken stock and wine. Increase the heat to medium high. Cook about 2 minutes , stirring to loosen the brown bits from the pot.
- Stir in the bacon, butter beans, and the lentils. Bring this mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat on this mixture, and let it simmer, covered for about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Now, uncover the pot and continue simmering until the vegetables are tender about 20 more minutes.
- Serve topped with thyme sprigs.
Notes
Nutrition
We Want to Hear From You!
Are you ready to ladle up a big, steaming bowl of smoky, rustic comfort? Grab your favorite heavy pot, crisp up that bacon, and let’s get this wonderful soup simmering!
If Grandma’s lentil, bacon, and bean soup brought a cozy smile to your dinner table, please leave a comment down below and give this recipe a star rating—it means the world to Bevie and me! Don’t forget to hit that share button and pin this recipe to your favorite hearty soup boards on Pinterest so you can keep it handy all year long.
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