Ingredients and Weight:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) of lentils
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 3 cups of chicken broth or vegetable broth
- Water (as needed to fill slow cooker)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4-6 hours in a slow cooker
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a large slow cooker, combine all the ingredients except water.
- Add water to the slow cooker, ensuring that the lentils are covered with liquid.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the lentils are tender and the soup is thickened.
- Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to maintain the desired soup consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper, according to taste.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or rice.
Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 servings total)
Calories: 300-350 (depending on the fat content of the bacon)
Protein: 20-25 grams
Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams (including fiber)
Fat: 10-15 grams (including saturated fat from bacon)
Dish Characteristics:
- Hearty and flavorful, with a rich combination of lentils and bacon.
- Slow-cooked in a crockpot, resulting in a creamy and tender soup.
- A perfect blend of American flavors with traditional lentil dish characteristics.
User Comments:
- "This lentil soup is amazing! The combination of lentils and bacon is a revelation."
- "I love how hearty this soup is, it's perfect for a cold winter day."
- "This is a great dish for a vegetarian option as well, just omit the bacon."
- "The slow cooking makes this soup so creamy and delicious."
- "This dish is a great way to introduce more fiber into your diet with its lentils."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure to buy good quality bacon for best flavor.
- If serving vegetarian, omit the bacon or replace it with vegetable broth or mushroom pieces.
- Lentils may become bitter if overcooked, so be sure to check the texture after 4 hours and adjust cooking time accordingly.
