Nancy'S Lentil-Vegetable Soup
Nancy's Lentil-Vegetable Soup is a hearty, nutritious dish packed with tender lentils, savory bacon, and fresh vegetables. Its robust flavors and comforting warmth make it perfect for a cozy family meal or gatherings, offering a wholesome vegetarian-friendly option when bacon is omitted.
Ingredients
- 2 cups lentils, presoaked and drained ⓘ
- 5 cups water ⓘ
- 2 slices bacon, diced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery with tops, sliced
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed ⓘ
- 1 pound can crushed tomatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Put all ingredients in a crock-pot.
- Mix together well.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.
- Season to taste before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add more diced vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor. If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot. Always rinse lentils before soaking to remove any debris. This soup can easily be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Nancy's Lentil-Vegetable Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley can enhance the flavors. This hearty soup pairs beautifully with Quick Appetizers for a cozy gathering or can be a delightful start to any American recipes meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nancy'S Lentil-Vegetable Soup contains roughly 653 calories, with 23g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (311% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1465mg per serving (64% 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 use dried lentils instead of presoaked lentils?
Yes, you can use dried lentils without soaking them first. Just rinse them thoroughly and add them directly to the crock-pot, but you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or so until they are tender.
What can I substitute for crushed tomatoes?
If you don't have crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes or tomato puree can work as substitutes. You can also use fresh tomatoes, just chop them finely and adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they break down properly.
Is it possible to make this soup in a regular pot instead of a crock-pot?
Absolutely! You can make this soup in a regular pot. Just sauté the bacon and vegetables first, then add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours until the lentils are tender.
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).