Lentil Soup For One
This hearty single serving lentil soup is filled with tender lentils, vegetables, and smoky bacon in a flavorful broth. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Servings: 1 serving
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 slice bacon -cut into ½-inch pieces
- ¼ cup chopped onions
- 1 small carrot -chopped
- 1 celery rib -chopped
- 1 clove garlic -minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup dry green lentils *
- ½ cup canned diced tomatoes with some of the juices.
- 1 ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth * see notes below
- shredded Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
Instructions
- In a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- Add the onions, carrot, celery, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the lentils and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the diced tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed. Stir in the cooked bacon. Top with shredded Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
Recipe Notes *
- Lentils: My preference is to use green lentils because they hold their shape well while cooking and provide a hearty texture. Brown lentils also work well, though they may cook slightly faster. Red lentils will cook quicker but can become mushy.
- Low sodium chicken broth: I use low sodium chicken broth so I can better control the salt level in the soup. If you’re using regular broth, you may want to reduce the amount of added salt to avoid over-seasoning. Vegetable broth is also a suitable option.
- Rinse the Lentils: Rinse under cold water to remove dust or debris before cooking.
- Adjust the Texture: If the soup is too thick, stir in a little broth or water.
- Taste Before Serving: Adjust the salt at the end to suit your preference.
- Stir Occasionally: Stir during simmering to keep lentils from sticking and to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 223kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 898mg | Potassium: 948mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 8521IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 2mg
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