Hearty Lentil Stew with Bacon and Smoked Paprika Recipe

Introduction

This hearty lentil stew is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for cool evenings. Packed with vegetables, smoky bacon, and tender lentils, it offers a satisfying meal that warms both body and soul.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dry green or brown lentils
• 3 tablespoons oil (sunflower recommended)
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• ½ finely chopped small red pepper
• ½ cup finely chopped celery stalks
• ½ cup finely chopped carrot
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 to 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 ½ cups canned tomatoes, chopped with juice
• 4 ounces bacon
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Soak the lentils in a large bowl, covering them with cold tap water. Let them stand for 2 to 3 hours.
2. Step 2: In a large pot with a lid, heat the oil over low heat. Add the chopped onion, red pepper, and celery. Sweat the vegetables gently until softened without browning.
3. Step 3: Add salt, black pepper, chopped carrot, and 2 cups of broth to the pot. Partially cover and cook for 10 minutes over low heat.
4. Step 4: Add 1 more cup of broth, the soaked and drained lentils, and canned tomatoes with their juice. Simmer covered for 30 minutes.
5. Step 5: While the stew simmers, cook the bacon strips in a small skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly browned and some fat is released.
6. Step 6: Drain the bacon and add it to the stew along with the smoked paprika. Stir well and continue simmering, adjusting seasoning and adding broth as needed until lentils are tender.
7. Step 7: Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs and accompanied by crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• Use brown or green lentils that hold their shape well; avoid quick-cooking lentils to prevent disintegration.
• For richer flavor, refrigerate the stew overnight and reheat gently before serving.
• Vegetarian option: substitute bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth.
• Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar before serving to brighten the flavors.

Storage

Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over medium-low heat to preserve the texture and flavor. This stew also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use red lentils instead of green or brown?

Red lentils cook faster and tend to break down into a mushy texture, so they are not recommended for this stew which benefits from lentils that hold their shape.

What can I use if I don’t have smoked paprika?

If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or a small amount of ground cumin can add depth, but the distinctive smoky flavor will be less pronounced.

Hearty Lentil Stew with Bacon and Smoked Paprika Recipe

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This hearty Lentil Stew combines tender green or brown lentils with a flavorful mix of vegetables, smoky bacon, and smoked paprika. Slow-simmered to perfection and garnished with fresh herbs, this comforting dish is ideal for a nutritious and satisfying meal. It’s perfect to make ahead as the flavors deepen overnight.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes plus 2 to 3 hours soaking
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours (including soaking)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Stew
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Legumes

• 2 cups dry green or brown lentils

Vegetables

• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• ½ small red pepper, finely chopped
• ½ cup finely chopped celery stalks
• ½ cup finely chopped carrot
• 1 ½ cups canned tomatoes, chopped with juice

Meat and Seasonings

• 4 ounces bacon
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Liquids

• 3 tablespoons sunflower oil
• 3 to 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Garnish

• Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro

Instructions

1. Soak Lentils: Place 2 cups of dry green or brown lentils in a large bowl and cover them with cold tap water. Let them soak for 2 to 3 hours to soften.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot with a lid, heat 3 tablespoons sunflower oil over low heat. Add ½ cup finely chopped onions, ½ small red pepper finely chopped, and ½ cup finely chopped celery stalks. Sweat the vegetables gently until they soften and release their juices without browning.
3. Add Seasoning and Carrots: Stir in ½ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and ½ cup finely chopped carrot. Pour in 2 cups of broth and cook partially covered on low heat for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
4. Add Lentils and Tomatoes: Drain the soaked lentils. Add 1 more cup of broth, the drained lentils, and 1 ½ cups chopped canned tomatoes with juice to the pot. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the lentils to cook through.
5. Cook Bacon: While the stew simmers, in a small skillet cook 4 ounces of bacon strips over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly browned and fat has rendered. Drain excess fat.
6. Combine and Season: Add the cooked bacon and 2 teaspoons smoked paprika to the stew. Stir well to incorporate and continue simmering. Adjust seasoning carefully, as broth concentration may increase saltiness.
7. Simmer to Desired Tenderness: Continue simmering the stew, adding more broth if needed depending on lentil softness. Check lentils periodically until fully tender but still holding shape.
8. Serve: Ladle the lentil stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Serve hot with crusty bread for a complete meal.
9. Optional – Enhance Flavor: Refrigerate the stew overnight and reheat gently over medium-low heat before serving. This allows flavors to meld and intensify for improved taste.

Notes

• Use green or brown lentils, and avoid quick-cooking lentils as they may break down during the simmering process.
• For the best flavor, refrigerate the stew and reheat before serving the next day.
• Adjust the amount of broth during cooking because different lentils absorb liquids differently.
• Monitor salt levels closely as broth may become concentrated during simmering.

Keywords: lentil stew, lentils, bacon lentil soup, smoked paprika, hearty stew, healthy lentil recipe, vegetarian with bacon, easy lentil stew