Warm up your chilly evenings with a bowl of our hearty Lentil and Canadian Bacon Soup, expertly crafted in your trusty crockpot! This deliciously comforting recipe combines the earthy flavors of lentils with the savory goodness of Canadian bacon, creating a satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead. In just over eight hours, you can enjoy a rich, flavorful soup that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. Ready to dive into a cozy culinary adventure? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup Canadian bacon, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse the lentils under cold water to remove any debris or small stones, then drain completely.
- Dice the Canadian bacon into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/4 inch in size.
- Finely chop the onion, ensuring pieces are consistent in size for even cooking.
- Peel and dice carrots and celery into small, roughly 1/4 inch pieces.
- Place the rinsed lentils into the crockpot as the base layer.
- Add diced Canadian bacon, chopped onions, carrots, and celery on top of the lentils.
- Sprinkle dried thyme evenly over the vegetables and meat.
- Pour chicken broth over all ingredients, ensuring everything is mostly submerged.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Cover the crockpot and set to low heat setting for 8 hours.
- After cooking time is complete, stir the soup to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot.
Tips
- Rinse the Lentils: Always rinse your lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris and ensure a clean taste in your soup.
- Uniform Cuts: For even cooking, make sure your Canadian bacon, onion, carrots, and celery are diced into uniform pieces, about 1/4 inch in size.
- Layering Matters: Start with the lentils at the bottom of the crockpot, as they take longer to cook. Layer the other ingredients on top for optimal flavor infusion.
- Adjust Seasoning: After the soup has cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your palate. A little extra thyme can enhance the flavor too!
- Storage Tips: This soup stores beautifully! Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for a quick meal later.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that will warm your heart and soul!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg
