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Home Ā» Food Ā» French Lentil Soup

French Lentil Soup

March 16, 2016 by Kimberly Killebrew Ā· 67 Comments

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Soups like this one are very nostalgic to me. Ā One bite with its familiar and comforting flavors transports me back to Europe. Ā I’m biased but I stand by the conviction that some of the best soups and stews come from Germany and France. Ā And not surprisingly many of their soups share quite a bit in common with each other.

This French Lentil Soup could just as accurately be labeled as a German soup as the ingredients and flavors are very typical of what you’d find in many regions of Germany as well. Ā But since we’re using French lentils and because you can find soups like this in France as well, we’re going to go ahead and attribute this one to France. Ā So here’s to my French friends and French food fans. Ā Vive la France!

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Today’s soup takes us to the Le Puy region of France.

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Above images courtesy Konrad Hädener via CC licensing

Le Puy isĀ famous for its cathedral, lace-making and…its lentils. Ā It’s home to the Le Puy lentil, commonly referred to as the French lentil.

What distinguishes these lentils is their color, flavor and shape-holding characteristics. Ā  Le Puy lentils are small with a slate-green color and blue marbling. Ā They have a slight peppery flavor and are preferred among many cooks because, unlike their brown lentil cousins that turn mushy after a while, they hold their shape during cooking.

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This French Lentil Soup is deliciously rich and satisfying. Ā You’re going to love it!

Ready to make some soup?

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Let’s get started!

In a stock pot cook the bacon over medium-high heat until done.

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Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent and golden, 7-10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

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Add the celeriac, leek and carrots and cook for another 4-5 minutes or until beginning to soften.

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Add the lentils and cook for another minute or two.

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Add all remaining ingredients except for the parsley and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

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Stir in the parsley and add salt and pepper to taste.

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Serve with some crusty bread and/or a leafy green salad. Ā This soup makes excellent leftovers and the flavors will be even more pronounced the next day.

Enjoy!

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French Lentil Soup

Kimberly Killebrew, www.daringgourmet.com
Travel the French countryside with your tastebuds!  This soup is deep and delicious with layers of flavors that will keep you happy the whole meal through.
Print Recipe
4.92 from 24 votes
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Servings 6 servings
Calories 254 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 4 ounces bacon ,diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion ,chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic ,minced
  • 2 medium carrots ,diced
  • 1/2 medium celeriac ,aka celery root, diced
  • 1 large leek ,chopped, thoroughly rinsed and drained
  • 6 cups quality chicken broth
  • 1 cup French Le Puy lentils ,aka French lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a stock pot cook the bacon over medium-high heat until done. Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent and golden, 7-10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the celeriac, leek and carrots and cook for another 4-5 minutes or until beginning to soften. Add the lentils and cook for another minute or two. Add all remaining ingredients except for the parsley and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Stir in the parsley and add salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 1448mg | Potassium: 825mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 3900IU | Vitamin C: 31.3mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 4mg
Tried this recipe? Mention @daringgourmet or hashtag #daringgourmet

 

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67 Comments →

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67 Responses

  1. Karyn @ Pint Sized Baker says

    March 18, 2016 at 9:44 am

    My husband was seriously drooling over this soup. I have emailed to him to make. Loving all the flavors in it!

    Reply
  2. eat good 4 life says

    March 18, 2016 at 9:11 am

    I love lentils, I love soup and I love France. What an awesome trip…I must check this place out sometime. So close to my moms…

    Reply
  3. Nutmeg Nanny says

    March 17, 2016 at 7:34 pm

    This soup is pure bliss! It’s so warm and comforting for spring…yum!

    Reply
  4. Jeanie Owens says

    March 17, 2016 at 7:27 pm

    Where can I buy french lentils?

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      March 17, 2016 at 8:20 pm

      Hi Jeanie, you can buy them online, like here on Amazon, or at some grocery stores that carry a large selection of bulk food items (eg, I’ve seen them at WinCo).

      Reply
  5. Kristina says

    March 17, 2016 at 5:03 pm

    Lentil soup makes me nostalgic too – this is a childhood favorite! thanks for sharing the beautiful photos – and the recipe!

    Reply
  6. Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says

    March 17, 2016 at 2:14 pm

    Those photos of France don’t even look real! Amazing! I hope to visit there this summer :) Love the soup and can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
  7. Raul says

    March 17, 2016 at 1:26 pm

    Adding the juice of one lemon at the last 10 minutes gives it an impressive kick!

    Reply
  8. Lauren Kelly Nutrition says

    March 17, 2016 at 11:41 am

    I love the pictures and of course, this soup! Lentils are the best!

    Reply
  9. Angie says

    March 17, 2016 at 10:52 am

    So delicious! I love France and can’t wait to go back there. Bacon and lentils, what a great combo!

    Reply
  10. Florian @ContentednessCooking says

    March 17, 2016 at 8:36 am

    This looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing with us!

    Reply
  11. Bintu | Recipes from a Pantry says

    March 17, 2016 at 8:33 am

    How can you possibly go wrong with bacon and lentils? Its gotten cold here again so I think a nice big bowl of soup is in order!

    Reply
  12. Katerina @ Diethood says

    March 17, 2016 at 8:32 am

    Lentils have never looked better!! I want this for dinner tonight!
    P.S. ♄ France ♄

    Reply
  13. Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says

    March 17, 2016 at 7:58 am

    Lentils are by far my favourite vegetarian protein. But they aren’t just for vegetarians, as you have shown! The addition of bacon is so perfect here.

    Reply
  14. Levan says

    March 17, 2016 at 5:24 am

    I always love myself a hearty lentil soup! Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe! Gotta give it a try this weekend!

    Reply
  15. Adriana Lopez Martn says

    March 16, 2016 at 10:27 pm

    I love lentils and even more when you add bacon great recipe I can a bowl now =)

    Reply
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kimberly killebrew the daring gourmet

Welcome!Ā  I’m Kimberly and I share delicious originals, revitalized classics and authentic dishes from around the world.Ā  Come travel the world through your taste buds!

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