Lentil and Bacon Soup

• 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
• 6 slices smoked streaky bacon
• 1 onion, peeled and chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 7 ounces split red lentils
• 1 (14 ounce) can chopped tomatoes
• 1 vegetable stock cube
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
• salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan.
2. Add the bacon, onion and carrots and cook over a medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 7-10 minutes, or until the bacon has started to turn golden and the vegetables have softened.
3. Add the lentils to the pan and stir well.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes and 2 pints boiling water, and stir in stock cube.
5. Bring to the boil, cover, and then simmer the soup gently for about 1 hour, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
6. Remove the pan from the heat and leave the soup to cool slightly.
7. Puree the soup with the parsley, and add seasoning to taste.
8. If the soup is too thick, a little extra boiling water can be added.
9. Reheat the soup for serving in mugs, with crusty bread.

sunflower oil, bacon, onion, carrots, red lentils, tomatoes, vegetable stock cube, parsley, salt

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/lentil-and-bacon-soup-438214 (may not work)