I took last week off to celebrate my birthday my style – relaxing in my pj’s in the comfort of my room. Unfortunately, my “celebration” week turned into a “let’s celebrate with a virus” week. Do you ever find that you tend to get sick more often on your vacation? Lately, that seems to be when it sneaks up on me. I always say “I don’t have time to be sick” – I really don’t! – so I guess subconsciously when I am off, my body makes up for lost time. Go figure…

When we are sick, my mom makes this awesome stuff we affectionately call “Yucky Soup.” Don’t let the name fool you, it tastes amazing, loaded with chicken, bacon, greens, beans and enough garlic to keep most people safely out of your personal space bubble. It gets the name “Yucky” from the way we feel while eating it and the fact that it looks, well, yucky. IMO, some of the best soups I have eaten typically don’t look very appetizing. After I downed the container of yucky soup, I was craving something similar, but (a) didn’t have all the ingredients and (b) was too lazy to go to the store for more. I did have a few similar items that I threw together and ended up creating this amazing 5-Ingredient Crock Pot Bacon and Leek Lentil Soup in my fun-sized 2 QUART CROCK POT. Those cute little cookers are the best because you can fill them to the brim and they still cook evenly throughout. I became obsessed with them from the book VEGAN SLOW COOKING FOR TWO OR JUST FOR YOU. Yes…I am aware this recipe has bacon but I still love me some good vegan food and this book has got it figured out! It also talked me into owning multiple mini crock pots, fuelling my ever growing kitchen gadget obsession…

As you probably know from my BEST LENTILS EVER post, I am not a huge fan of lentils unless they pack a flavor punch and are relatively easy to prepare. Even though these lentils have so few ingredients, each one adds to its character. You are left with the perfect, minimal-effort crock pot soup that does not disappoint. It is very reminiscent of a super yummy split pea soup but done in a fraction of the time by using quick cooking RED LENTILS. Add some soup cookies (aka OYSTER CRACKERS – we use creative food names to get a certain toddler to eat around here) or a small side of bread to help soak up the last little bit from the bowl. You won’t want to waste any of this liquid gold!

If you like comfort food crockpot recipes, check out this yummy AWARD WINNING CHILI. It is still my favorite chili to this day!

With much love from my table to yours,

xoxo, Tiffany

4 from 1 vote

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5 Ingredient Crock Pot Bacon and Leek Lentil Soup

A delicious low-calorie, high protein smoky lentil soup loaded with bacon, leeks and only 5 ingredients total! Makes the perfect quick prep crockpot meal!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes

Servings 4

Calories 330 kcal

Ingredients

• 4 slices nitrate free bacon I use Hormel's Natural Choice
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 leek
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup red lentils I use Bob's Red Mill

Instructions

1. Heat small skillet over medium-high heat. Roughly chop bacon and saute for 2-3 minutes or until browned, stirring frequently. Add lentils and garlic and cook for another 3 minutes or until the leek begins to soften. Add to a 2 Quart crock pot. Add remaining ingredients to crockpot and stir well. Cook on high heat setting for 2 hours or low heat setting for 5-6 hours or until lentils are soft. Enjoy warm with bread or oyster crackers. 

Recipe Notes

Make sure to use Red Lentils as normal lentils may need more cooking time in the crock pot!

Nutrition Facts

5 Ingredient Crock Pot Bacon and Leek Lentil Soup

Amount Per Serving

Calories 330 Calories from Fat 81

% Daily Value*

Fat 9g14%

Saturated Fat 2.5g16%

Cholesterol 66mg22%

Sodium 987mg43%

Potassium 637mg18%

Carbohydrates 33g11%

Protein 23g46%

Vitamin A 100IU2%

Vitamin C 1.7mg2%

Calcium 20mg2%

Iron 5.8mg32%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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