One Pot Creamy Vegetable Lentils (Printable Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ Main Components
01 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
02 -
4 bacon rashers, cut into lardons
03 -
1.5 cups shiitake mushrooms, quartered
04 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
05 -
3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only
06 -
2 small carrots, diced
07 -
2 celery stalks, diced
08 -
2 garlic cloves, minced
09 -
2 bay leaves
10 -
1 small sweet potato, diced
11 -
2 cups green lentils, rinsed
12 -
4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
13 -
2 tablespoons single cream
→ Seasoning and Garnish
14 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
15 -
Fresh thyme leaves and rosemary, for garnish
16 -
Sherry or balsamic vinegar, for finishing (optional)
17 -
Lemon juice or sherry vinegar, to taste (optional)
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 -
Heat olive oil in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the bacon lardons and sauté until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the pan.
02 -
Add the shiitake mushrooms to the pan and cook over medium-high heat until golden and aromatic. Transfer mushrooms to the bowl with bacon.
03 -
Add diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pan. Sauté over medium heat until vegetables soften, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, thyme leaves, and bay leaves. Continue cooking for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 -
Incorporate diced sweet potato, green lentils, and broth into the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender.
05 -
Remove 1 cup of the soup mixture and blend until smooth using a blender. If too dense, incorporate up to 180 ml boiling water. Return the blended puree to the pot, stirring thoroughly.
06 -
Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. For added brightness, stir in a splash of sherry or balsamic vinegar if desired.
07 -
Ladle soup into bowls and top with reserved bacon and mushrooms. Drizzle each portion with single cream and garnish with fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of rosemary. Finish with a dash of lemon juice or sherry vinegar just before serving if desired.
# Helpful Notes:
01 -
For optimal texture, blend a portion of the soup before serving to enhance creaminess while maintaining hearty vegetable pieces.
02 -
Soup freezes well; cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to three months.