Lentil Dish with Bacon

Lentil and bacon dish is a comfort food recipe that adds a touch of flavor and warmth to any meal. This dish is not only nourishing but also full of flavor, ideal for cool days or for a comforting family meal. Lentils, the main ingredient, are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and nutrients, and when combined with crispy bacon, it becomes a true delight.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 250 g dried lentils (or 1 can of 1 kg lentils, if you prefer the canned version)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 30 g flour
- 30 g finely chopped onion
- 120 g bacon, diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 500 ml vegetable broth or water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Dried thyme, to taste
- Marjoram, optional
- 2-3 tablespoons pickle juice or 1-2 tablespoons wine vinegar
- 2-3 bay leaves

Preparing the lentils:

1. Soaking the lentils: It is recommended to soak the lentils the night before. This step not only shortens the cooking time but also aids digestion. Rinse the lentils well under cold running water, then let them sit in water overnight. If you're in a hurry and don’t have time to wait, you can boil them for 10 minutes in water and then let them sit covered for an hour.

2. Boiling the lentils: The next day, drain the lentils and rinse them again. Place them in a pot with fresh water, add salt, bay leaves, and thyme. Boil the lentils over medium heat for about 20-30 minutes until they become soft but not mushy.

Preparing the vegetable sauce:

3. Preparing the base: In another pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously, frying it until it becomes lightly golden. This step will give the sauce a creamy texture.

4. Adding the onion: Add the chopped onion and continue to stir, allowing it to soften and become translucent. If desired, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to bring a sweet flavor that will balance the tastes.

5. Including the tomato paste: Add the tomato paste and stir until it is well incorporated into the mixture. Letting it fry for a few minutes will intensify the flavor of the sauce.

6. Deglazing with broth: Pour the vegetable broth (or water) over the mixture and let everything simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combining the ingredients:

7. Incorporating the lentils: After the lentils are boiled, drain them but do not discard the water. Gradually add them to the onion and flour sauce. Mix well to achieve a uniform consistency. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more water or broth.

8. Seasoning: Season with salt, pepper, and add the pickle juice or wine vinegar. These will give a note of freshness and a delicious contrast to the rich flavor of the lentils.

Preparing the bacon:

9. Cooking the bacon: In a separate pan, fry the diced bacon until crispy. Make sure to use medium heat to avoid burning it.

Serving the dish:

10. Assembling and serving: When the lentils are ready, serve them hot, topped with crispy bacon. This dish can be enjoyed as is or as a side dish alongside game meat, chicken livers, or sausages.

Serving suggestions:
For an even more flavorful meal, you can accompany this dish with a fresh summer salad or toasted bread. A bottle of dry white wine or a blonde beer will pair perfectly.

Possible variations:
If you want to try a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon without compromising the flavor. Add more vegetables, such as carrots or celery, for an even more colorful and nutritious dish. You can also use green or red lentils to experiment with textures and flavors.

Nutritional information:
This lentil and bacon dish contains a significant amount of protein and fiber, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet. A serving has approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of bacon used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use canned lentils?
Yes, you can use canned lentils, but make sure to rinse them well to remove excess sodium.

2. How can I make this recipe spicier?
By adding a little chili pepper or spices like smoked paprika, you can give the dish an extra kick.

3. What other ingredients can I add?
You can experiment with vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini, which can be added during the preparation of the sauce.

4. Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, the lentil dish can be frozen very well, but it is recommended to consume it within 2-3 months to maintain its flavor and texture.

Now that you have all the secrets of this delicious lentil and bacon dish recipe, all that’s left is to start cooking! Enjoy the moment and savor every bite!

 Ingredients: - 250g dried lentils, or 1 can of lentils (1kg). - 4 tbsp oil - 30g flour - 30g finely chopped onion - 120g bacon - 1 cup tomato paste - 1/2 l broth or from Maggi/Knorr cubes... - salt + pepper - thyme - marjoram - bay leaves - 2-3 tbsp juice from pickled cucumbers/peppers or 1-2 tbsp wine vinegar