Brothy Chickpea Stew - Serving Dumplings

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 smoked bacon (cut into strips)
• 2 cans (14 oz/400 g) chickpeas (drained)
• 2 ounces lentils (black or green)
• 2 ounces spinach
• 2 carrots (peeled and cut into cubes)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 4 thick slices bread
• 4 slices cheese (cheddar or gouda)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• chopped chives and black pepper (for serving)
• Tabasco (for serving (optional))