LENTIL, BACON AND BEAN SOUP

Lentil, Bacon and Bean Soup image

This quick soup feels extra cozy with lots of lentils and a touch of smoky, bacony goodness. You might want to cook up extra-I think it's even better the next day! -Janie Zirbser, Mullica Hill, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings (2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

4 bacon strips, chopped
6 medium carrots, chopped
2 small onions, diced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon pepper
5 cups chicken stock
1 cup dry white wine or additional chicken stock
2 cans (15 to 16 ounces each) butter beans, rinsed and drained
2 cans (15 ounces each ) lentils, rinsed and drained
Fresh thyme sprigs, optional

Steps:

In a Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Cook and stir carrots and onions in bacon drippings until crisp-tender, 3-4 minutes. Add tomato paste, garlic, thyme and pepper; cook 1 minute longer., Add stock and wine; increase heat to medium-high. Cook 2 minutes, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Stir in butter beans, lentils and bacon. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 5 minutes. Uncover; continue simmering until vegetables are tender, 15-20 minutes. Garnish with thyme sprigs if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 271 calories, Fat 6g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 9mg cholesterol, Sodium 672mg sodium, Carbohydrate 41g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 13g fiber), Protein 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges