Lentil Soup With Frankfurters
A hearty lentil soup with frankfurters, smoky bacon, and aromatic vegetables, perfect for comforting meals and easy to prepare in slow cookers or stovetop.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place onions, celery, leek, potatoes, diced bacon, and butter in a heavy kettle.
- Saute until soft, but not brown.
- Wash and drain lentils.
- Add lentils to the kettle along with potatoes, carrots, sliced frankfurters, salt, catsup, and water or chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer, covered, for 3 hours or until lentils are soft. Add more water as needed.
- Alternatively, prepare in a crock-pot or slow cooker according to manufacturer's directions.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a bay leaf while simmering. If you're out of frankfurters, any cooked sausage can work well. You can also substitute the lentils with split peas for a different texture. To thicken the soup, mash some of the lentils against the side of the pot as they cook.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lentil soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or croutons for added texture. It pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light dish like Sweet And Sour Potato Salad, which complements the hearty flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lentil Soup With Frankfurters contains roughly 347 calories, with 9g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (192% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and potassium (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1381mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this lentil soup vegetarian by omitting the bacon and frankfurters. Instead, use vegetable broth for added flavor and consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the dish.
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to elevate the spice level to your liking.
Can I freeze this lentil soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stovetop, adding a bit of water or broth if needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).