Hearty Bacon, Lentil, and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium (150g) brown onion, chopped finely
• 4 bacon rashers, chopped finely
• 2 sticks (300g) celery, trimmed, chopped coarsely
• 2 medium (240g) carrots, chopped coarsely
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 cup (200g) red lentils
• 1 litre (4 cups) salt-reduced chicken stock
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives
• salt and freshly ground pepper