Smoky bacon and lentil soup

First, rinse the lentils a sieve under cold water. I used manuka-smoked bacon prepared by Hendersons. It is traditionally cured and does not contain chemicals.

Ingredients

2 Tbsp	Olive oil
1 large	Onion, diced
150 g	Smokey bacon, finely chopped (Main)
1	Carrot, diced
1	Celery stalk, diced
2 cloves	Garlic, crushed
1 cup	Red lentils (Main)
1	400g can diced tomatoes
1 tsp	Dry mixed herbs
5 cups	Vegetable stock, or chicken stock

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy saucepan. Sauté the onion on medium, until softened. Add the bacon and sauté until lightly browned, stirring often.
2. Add the carrot and celery and sauté, stirring, until slightly softened. Add the garlic, tomatoes, lentils, herbs and stock. Bring to the boil then simmer for about 30 minutes until the lentils have softened and the vegetables are cooked.
3. Great served with crusty bread.

See more of Jan's soup recipes

• Lemon chicken soup
• Spicy pumpkin soup