Bacon & Lentil Soup (GAPS & Paleo-Friendly)

Last winter while visiting Canadian parts (far more northern than Vermont, as in -20 F for days on end) I adapted this Bacon Lentil soup from a good friend’s pot, to fit the GAPS template. We ended up eating this almost every week it was so good.

The secret ingredients in this soup that make it really flavorful are GAPS legal balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, and of course…sugar-free Paleo bacon.

The recipe is enhanced for digestion by soaking the lentils ahead of time. Lentils, being legumes are in the same category as nuts, grains & seeds which contain enzyme inhibitors and phytic acid that are problematic for digestion. Our ancestors would have taken time and care to specially prepare these for good health.

Why do they contain phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors? Presumably, so they don’t sprout until the right time and conditions, i.e. when they are in the soil and ready to grow. Soaking initiates the process of being in the soil, which also makes legumes like lentils easier to digest.

To further the lentil’s digestibility, you can also ferment them. Below are some instructions for fermenting lentils. Or you can simply soak lentils with ACV for a couple of days.

Fermented lentils:
1 lb. cooked lentils
1 Tbls. sea salt
1/4 – 1/2 cup kefir/yogurt whey
1 small chopped onion
1 crushed garlic bulb per jar
2 days on the countertop (may need to “burp” jar & keep on a plate to catch liquid)
Transfer to fridge or use in lentil dishes

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Bacon Lentil Soup (GAPS & Paleo Friendly)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Melanie Christner

Description

A Paleo and GAPS friendly Bacon & Lentil Soup for warming up cold days 🙂


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups lentils, that are then soaked in 4 cups water with ACV, or fermented
  • 3 Tbls butter
  • 1 head of celery – diced
  • 3–4 carrots – diced
  • 2 medium onions – diced
  • 1 pkg. sugar-free bacon, sliced into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 qts. bone broth or meat stock
  • 1 Tbls salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 Tbls ground cumin
  • 1/4 cup (+ 2 Tbs if desired) balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup (+ 2 Tbs if desired) Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Heat stockpot over medium heat.
  2. Place butter in the stockpot, and then add diced celery, carrots, & onions
  3. Sauté vegetables until tender and slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally
  4. In a separate pan, begin sautéing bacon until just beginning to crisp
  5. When vegetables are tender, add broth or stock to the stockpot
  6. Strain & rinse lentils then add to stockpot
  7. Add remaining ingredients of sauteed bacon, spices, vinegar, and mustard
  8. Simmer until flavors begin to meld together
  9. Enjoy!

Bacon & Lentil Soup
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

2 thoughts on “Bacon Lentil Soup (GAPS & Paleo Friendly)”

  1. I love that you can multiply the ingredients easily here. What is the serving size of ingredients at each level? Also how much apple cider vinegar do you add to the water to soak the lentils?

    1. Hi Rachel,
      Thanks for your question! We don’t have an exact serving size but it makes a large pot of soup that easily serves 6-8 people and usually with leftovers! We just add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the lentils, it’s not necessary to be exact on that one:)

      Warmly,
      Deanna
      Honest Body Assistant

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Scroll to Top