Hearty & Flavorful French Lentil Soup with Crispy Bacon: A Velvety Recipe
There’s something inherently comforting and sophisticated about a bowl of classic French lentil soup. When infused with the smoky, salty crunch of bacon, it transforms into an irresistible culinary experience. This recipe delivers a soup with a luxurious, velvety-soft structure, bursting with deep, rich flavors, beautifully complemented by crispy bacon bits on top. It’s a dish that truly embodies the rustic elegance of French cooking, making it a perfect starter or a light, satisfying meal.
Exploring the Essence of French Cuisine
The term “French” often conjures images of haute cuisine and Michelin-starred restaurants, but the reality of French food is much richer and more diverse. France, being a large and geographically varied country, boasts an incredible array of regional cuisines that collectively form what we know as “French cuisine.” This means that there isn’t one single, monolithic “French” way of cooking, but rather a tapestry of traditions influenced by local ingredients and historical contexts.
For instance, in the colder northern regions, you’ll find a heavy reliance on ingredients like cream, butter, and apples, often resulting in rich, hearty dishes. Travel south, closer to the Mediterranean, and the culinary landscape shifts dramatically. Here, olive oil, sun-ripened tomatoes, and aromatic Mediterranean herbs take center stage, creating lighter, more vibrant flavors. From the earthy stews of Burgundy to the seafood delights of Brittany and the sun-drenched flavors of Provence, each region contributes its unique culinary identity.
Despite these regional differences, a few unifying characteristics define the French kitchen. At its core, French cooking prioritizes **quality ingredients**, with a strong preference for **local and seasonal produce**. There’s a deep-seated respect for the raw materials, and a belief that the best dishes start with the best ingredients. Furthermore, the French tradition emphasizes cooking **from scratch**, transforming simple, high-quality components into delicious meals through careful technique and patience, rather than relying on pre-made or processed foods. This philosophy of deliberate, thoughtful cooking aligns perfectly with the ethos of this blog, and indeed, with the very spirit of a dish like French lentil soup.
Review: Amuse-Bouche – Elevating Your Appetizer Game
By Tramento Rick and Mary Goodbody
Before we dive into our delightful lentil soup, let’s talk about a fantastic resource that champions the art of appetizers: the “Amuse-Bouche” cookbook by Tramento Rick and Mary Goodbody. This book is a treasure trove for anyone looking to elevate their pre-dinner bites, offering about 50 innovative recipes categorized by seasons and various types of amuse-bouche. It covers everything from elegant soups and vegetable creations to delicate pasta, fish, and meat morsels, as well as intriguing spoon amuses, juice amuses, foam amuses, and savory appetizers.
The authors brilliantly highlight the true purpose of an amuse-bouche: these are not just small snacks, but “little bites of food to amuse the mouth, invigorate the palate, and whet the appetite.” They are designed to awaken the senses and prepare diners for the meal to come, crafted from the finest ingredients to deliver exceptional taste sensations in a concentrated form. This philosophy resonates deeply with our lentil soup recipe, which, while substantial enough to be a main, can certainly be scaled down and served as an elegant amuse-bouche.
Pros of the “Amuse-Bouche” Cookbook:
- Exquisitely Flavorful Dishes: Having personally tried several recipes from this book, I can attest that each one is not only delicious but also remarkably well-balanced and innovative. They consistently impress guests and make any dinner party feel special.
- Clear and Concise Descriptions: The recipes feature clear, easy-to-follow descriptions for both the dishes and their preparation steps, making even seemingly complex techniques approachable for home cooks.
- Rich Background Information: Beyond just instructions, the book provides excellent background information on each recipe, including insights into flavors, origins, and thoughtful serving suggestions that add a touch of professional flair.
- Introduction to Novel Techniques: It gracefully introduces less common culinary techniques, such as foaming, empowering cooks to expand their repertoire without feeling overwhelmed.
- Surprising Flavor Combinations: The book excels at presenting unique and unexpected flavor pairings that are both surprising and incredibly tasteful, pushing the boundaries of traditional appetizers.
Downsides of the “Amuse-Bouche” Cookbook:
- Ingredient Availability: The authors’ commitment to the “best ingredients” means that some items might not be readily available in every supermarket, potentially requiring a trip to specialty stores or online ordering.
- Time Investment: While the recipes are not overly difficult in terms of technique, many do require a notable time commitment, making them more suitable for special occasions than quick weeknight preparations.
- Measurement System: A minor point for some, but the recipes primarily use cups instead of grams, which might require conversion for those accustomed to metric measurements.
In my experience, the recipes from “Amuse-Bouche” are consistently delicious and always make a great impression. If you’re hosting a dinner party and aspire to shine as a cook, this book is an invaluable asset. While some recipes might pose a challenge due to ingredient sourcing, the overall quality and inspiration it provides are exceptional. This book is undeniably a winner, earning a solid 8.5 in my cookbook collection! If you’re eager to add this culinary gem to your bookshelf, you can find it on Amazon.com via this link.
It’s a good taste!
The Star of the Show: French Lentil Soup with Bacon
Adapted from the inspiring “Amuse-Bouche” cookbook, this French lentil soup with bacon is a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can be transformed into something truly spectacular. The deep, earthy flavor of green lentils is enhanced by a classic mirepoix (onion, carrot, celery), and then brought to life with the irresistible smokiness and crisp texture of bacon. It’s a harmonious blend that creates a comforting, yet refined, bowl of soup perfect for any occasion.
This recipe uses green lentils, often referred to as Puy lentils (lentilles du Puy), which are known for holding their shape well and having a peppery, earthy flavor. Unlike some other lentil varieties, green lentils don’t break down into mush easily, making them ideal for a soup where a distinct texture is desired. The key to its velvety finish lies in pureeing a portion of the soup, creating a luxurious base while still allowing some texture to shine through.
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📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 30 grams bacon, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon carrot , finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon celery , finely chopped
- 50 grams green lentils , rinsed, soaked (1 night) and drained
- 500 mL water
- salt and pepper , at taste
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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Put the bacon in a saucepan and put it on low heat, until grease begins to be released.
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Increase the heat and then fry the bacon until crispy.
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Remove from the pan and drain on kitchen paper.
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Put the same pan back on low heat, add the onion, carrot and celery.
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Toss well ( so that the delicious taste of bacon inherits) and cook, while stirring for 5 minutes.
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Add the lentils, scoop them around and then add the water.
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Bring to a boil over high heat and reduce heat to low and simmer until the lentils are tender about 20 minutes.
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Puree the soup in a blender and strain the soup in the sieve.
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Put everything back in the pan and on the stove until it is hot. Spoon the soup into a bowl and sprinkle bacon on top.
Nutrition
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Tips for the Perfect French Lentil Soup
- Lentil Choice: While green lentils are traditional and hold their shape well, you can also use French Puy lentils for an even more authentic experience. Red lentils tend to break down completely, making them unsuitable if you want some texture.
- Soaking Lentils: The recipe suggests soaking lentils overnight. While not strictly necessary for green lentils, soaking can help reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. If you forget to soak, simply extend the simmering time until the lentils are tender.
- Flavor Base: The combination of onion, carrot, and celery (the “mirepoix”) is fundamental to French cooking. Don’t rush this step; properly sautéing these vegetables in the bacon fat builds a rich flavor foundation for your soup.
- Seasoning: Taste and adjust! Lentils absorb a lot of flavor, so don’t be shy with salt and freshly ground black pepper. A bay leaf or a sprig of fresh thyme added during simmering can also deepen the aroma.
- Achieving Velvety Texture: Pureeing part of the soup is key to its smooth, rich consistency. If you prefer a chunkier soup, puree less or omit this step entirely. For extra creaminess, a swirl of crème fraîche or a touch of butter can be added at the end.
Serving Suggestions
This French lentil soup is incredibly versatile. Served as an amuse-bouche (in small cups), it sets a sophisticated tone for any dinner. As a starter, a larger bowl pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty baguette to soak up every drop. For a more substantial meal, consider:
- Adding a poached egg on top for extra richness and protein.
- Serving with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- Garnishing with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
- A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
This French lentil soup with bacon is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the simple pleasures of home cooking with a touch of French flair. It’s warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying, making it ideal for a chilly evening or a comforting lunch. The combination of tender lentils, aromatic vegetables, and crispy bacon creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will delight your palate and impress your guests. Embracing the French philosophy of using quality ingredients and preparing meals from scratch, this soup is a wholesome and delicious choice that embodies culinary excellence.
So, gather your ingredients, take your time, and enjoy the process of creating this exquisite French lentil soup. It’s a rewarding dish that promises both comfort and sophistication in every spoonful.