Hairy Bikers Lentil And Bacon Soup Recipe

Hairy Bikers Lentil and Bacon Soup Recipe is made with smoked back bacon, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, red lentils, chicken stock, bay leaves, and parsley. This hearty Hairy Bikers Lentil and Bacon Soup recipe creates a comforting lunch or dinner that takes about 45 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4 people.

Hairy Bikers Lentil And Bacon Soup Recipe Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 200g smoked back bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 200g dried red lentils, rinsed
• 1.2L chicken stock (or vegetable stock for a vegetarian version)
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Hairy Bikers Lentil And Bacon Soup Recipe Instructions

1. Heat the Oil In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and fry until it’s crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
2. Cook the Vegetables In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add the Garlic and Spices Add the minced garlic, cumin, and coriander to the vegetables. Stir well and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
4. Simmer the Soup Add the rinsed red lentils, chicken stock, bay leaves, and the reserved crispy bacon to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the soup simmer gently for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed the flavors.
5. Blend the Soup (Optional) If you prefer a smoother texture, use a hand blender to carefully blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, leave the soup chunky for a more rustic feel.
6. Season to Taste Remove the bay leaves and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm, ideally with a slice of crusty bread.

Recipe Tips

• Boost the Flavor with Herbs: Try adding a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary while the soup simmers. These herbs add depth and extra flavor without overwhelming the dish. Just be sure to remove them before serving.
• Use Smoked Bacon for Extra Richness: Smoked bacon adds a rich, savory depth to the soup. If you can’t find smoked back bacon, you can use regular bacon, but the soup might lack that smoky flavor.
• Add a Splash of Vinegar: A splash of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar right before serving brightens the soup and balances its richness. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste.

How To Store Hairy Bikers Lentil And Bacon Soup Recipe

Refrigerate: Cool the Hairy Bikers Lentil and Bacon Soup completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container or cover the pot with plastic wrap. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the soup. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Reheat Leftover Hairy Bikers Lentil And Bacon Soup Recipe

In The Stove: Pour the leftover soup into a pot and heat over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. Reheat for about 5-10 minutes, or until it is hot all the way through.

In The Microwave: Transfer a portion of the soup to a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

In The Slow Cooker: If reheating a larger batch, you can use a slow cooker. Set it on low and heat for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.

What To Serve Hairy Bikers Lentil And Bacon Soup Recipe

Hairy Bikers Lentil and Bacon Soup Recipe pairs well with buttered crusty bread, fresh green salad, cheese slices, and garlic bread. It also can be served alongside crispy breadsticks, grilled cheese sandwiches, roasted vegetables, and pickled cucumbers for better savoring of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of lentils?

Yes, you can substitute red lentils with other types of lentils, like green or brown lentils. However, red lentils cook faster and break down more easily, creating a smoother texture for the soup.

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

To make the soup vegetarian or vegan, simply swap the smoked back bacon for a plant-based bacon or omit it altogether. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to keep it fully plant-based.

How can I adjust the soup’s thickness?

If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup with a hand blender or food processor. For a thinner soup, add a little more stock or water and stir well.

Try more recipes:

• Guillaume French Onion Soup Recipe
• Nisha Katona Tomato Soup Recipe
• Martha Stewart Minestrone Soup Recipe