By JJ Virgin

Lentil Bacon Soup

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September 20, 2016

Lentils have great protein and cholesterol-lowering fiber, not to mention a delicious, earthy taste. They’re perfect with smoky bacon in this cozy soup recipe.

Virgin Diet compliant: Cycles 1, 2, and 3
Sugar Impact Diet compliant: Cycles 1, 2, and 3

  • Prep: 25 mins
  • Cook: 45 mins
  • Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

6 nitrate-free bacon, chopped

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 garlic, minced

3 celery stalks, finely chopped

1 carrot, finely chopped

1 tsp dried oregano

1 dried bay leaf

1 cup organic brown lentils, picked over and soaked*

4 cups organic low-sodium chicken broth or stock

3 tbsp tomato paste

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat (or indirect heat over a campfire) and add the bacon; cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 7-8 minutes.

2Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain.

3Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat from the pan and return it to the heat.

4Stir in the onion, garlic, celery, carrot, oregano, and bay leaf; cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are very tender, 14-15 minutes.

5Add the lentil, broth or stock, and tomato paste, and bring to a boil.

6Immediately reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and simmer until the lentils are tender, 28-30 minutes.

7Remove the bay leaf and stir in the bacon, salt, and pepper. Serve and enjoy!

* "Picking over" your lentils means sorting through them to remove any small stones or other debris that may be mixed in during harvest. By soaking your lentils before cooking, you make them easier to digest and maximize their nutrition. To soak, simply place lentils in a glass mason jar and cover with water. Add 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and soak 4-12 hours, covered. Rinse, then proceed as directed in recipe above.

This recipe is part of the Cozy Campout Fun menu, with Lentil Bacon Soup, Flank Steak and Vegetable Wraps with Chimichurri Sauce, Campfire Grilled Peaches, and Freeze-Dried Fruit, Nut, and Seed Mix. Check out the Cozy Campout Fun Menu and Guide for links to all the recipes, plus more handy tips and activities for a fantastic campout, even in your own backyard!

Originally published in The Virgin Diet Cookbook, Grand Central Life & Style, 2014

Want more yummy, healthy recipes? Check out jjvirgin.com/recipes.

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Nutrition Facts

Calories264 calories
Sodium645 milligrams
Protein19 grams
Sugar0 grams
Total Fat4 grams
Saturated Fat1 gram
Total Carbohydrates37 grams
Dietary Fiber13 grams