Italian lentil soup

Everyone is surely familiar with traditional Czech lentil soup. However, try its variant with an Italian twist, which includes bacon and a generous amount of vegetables. This nutritious soup...
Ingredients (what you need)
2 handfuls of lentils
1 glass of crushed tomatoes
1 carrot
1 larger piece of celery
100 g of bacon
1 onion
3 cloves of garlic
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs of thyme
250 ml of water
salt (to taste)
ground pepper (to taste)
oil (as needed)
1 pinch of sugar (to taste)
grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Recipe steps
First, rinse the lentils and soak them for at least 2 hours. Then drain the water, add fresh water, add a bay leaf and thyme, and cook until tender. After cooking, drain the lentils.
Cut the bacon into small pieces. Peel and finely chop the onion. Peel and chop two cloves of garlic. Clean the carrot and celery and grate them coarsely.
In a pan, fry the bacon with the onion, and at the end, add the garlic. If the bacon does not release enough fat, add a little oil.
Add the carrot and celery to the base mixture and sauté for another five minutes.
Add the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and pour in about 250 ml of water.
Cook for about 15 minutes, then add the cooked lentils to the soup.
Heat and crush the last clove of garlic. Season with salt and you can also add a pinch of sugar.
Serve the soup topped with grated Parmesan.
Additional information about the recipe Italian lentil soup
Italian lentil soup, known as "Zuppa di Lenticchie," is a nutritious and tasty dish that is traditionally made from lentils, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This soup is not only quick to prepare but also rich in protein and fiber. It is usually served with olive oil and fresh bread, making it an ideal choice for cold days. Italian lentil soup is not only heartwarming but also a delicious and healthy alternative to heavy meals.