Bacon & Lentil Stew

Bacon and lentil stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the smoky richness of bacon with the earthiness of green lentils. Packed with vegetables and simmered in chicken stock, this stew is both satisfying and nutritious. The combination of diced bacon, onions, carrots, celery, turnips, and potatoes creates a delicious base for the tender lentils. With a hint of herbs from the bouquet garni, this stew is perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day. This recipe serves 4-6, making it ideal for a family dinner or for leftovers throughout the week.

INGREDIENTS:

• 450g/1lb rindless smoked back bacon rashers, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery sticks, chopped
• 1 turnip, chopped
• 1 large potato, chopped
• 75g/3oz green lentils such as Puy, rinsed and drained
• 1 bouquet garni
• 900ml/1½pt chicken stock
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

PREPARATION:

1. Heat a large flameproof casserole dish and add the diced bacon. Cook over medium heat, stirring, for about 5 minutes or until the fat starts to render.
2. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, chopped turnip, and chopped potato to the casserole dish. Cook, stirring, for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Add the rinsed and drained green lentils, bouquet garni, and chicken stock to the casserole dish. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the dish and let it simmer for approximately 1 hour or until the lentils are tender.
4. Remove and discard the bouquet garni. Season the stew with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste.
5. Serve the bacon and lentil stew immediately, ladling it into bowls.

YIELD: Serves 4-6.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use regular bacon instead of smoked bacon.
• Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
• Feel free to customize the stew by adding additional vegetables or herbs to your liking.

TIPS:

• For extra depth of flavor, you can brown the diced bacon in the casserole dish before adding the vegetables. This will enhance the smoky taste of the bacon.
• Serve the bacon and lentil stew with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for a few days or frozen for longer storage. The flavors tend to develop and intensify over time, making the stew even more delicious when reheated.

In conclusion, bacon and lentil stew is a delicious and nourishing dish that combines the smoky goodness of bacon with the earthiness of green lentils and a medley of vegetables. This stew is both comforting and satisfying, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or for enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.

The combination of diced bacon, onions, carrots, celery, turnips, and potatoes creates a flavorful base for the tender green lentils. Simmered in chicken stock with the addition of a bouquet garni, the stew develops a rich and aromatic taste. The lentils absorb the flavors of the bacon and vegetables, resulting in a hearty and satisfying meal.

Serve the bacon and lentil stew piping hot in bowls, and accompany it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. The leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen for future enjoyment. The flavors of the stew tend to deepen and develop over time, making it even more delicious when reheated.

So, why not give this bacon and lentil stew a try? It’s a hearty and comforting dish that will warm your soul and leave you craving more.