Deliciously Hearty Lentil-Bacon Apple Soup
Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with this delightful lentil-bacon apple soup, perfect for a comforting meal. Serving between 4 to 6, this dish combines savory ingredients to create a symphony of taste that is sure to warm your heart.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 1 teaspoon canola oil
- 6 slices of crispy bacon, chopped
- 1 medium leek, thinly sliced (white and tender green parts only)
- 2 celery ribs, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1 medium carrot, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced and peeled
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 8 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth (or water)
- 1/2 cup apple cider for a hint of sweetness
- 1 cup green lentils, rinsed
- 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and diced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary
- Buttermilk for serving
Cooking Instructions
Start by warming the canola oil in a large saucepan over moderate heat. Once hot, add the chopped bacon and cook it until it reaches a crispy golden perfection, approximately 8 minutes. Once done, remove it carefully with a slotted spoon and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Next, in the same saucepan, toss in the leek, celery, carrot, garlic, and ginger. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then cook these vegetables over medium heat. Stir them occasionally until they soften, which should take about 8 minutes. Sprinkle in the cumin and allow its aroma to fill your kitchen by cooking it for an additional 30 seconds.
It's now time to add the chicken stock, apple cider, and lentils. Bring this mix to a gentle simmer and continue stirring occasionally until the lentils become tender, which should take around 40 minutes.
In the final steps, add the diced apple and chopped rosemary, cooking for another 3 minutes until the apple is just softened. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
When ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with buttermilk, sprinkle with the crispy bacon, and enjoy the comforting taste of this nourishing dish.
This soup can also be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prepping!