Hearty Lentil Soup – Satisfying & Packed with Veggies

Ingredients

• 3 slices bacon, (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, (finely chopped)
• 1 stalk celery, (finely chopped)
• 2 medium carrots, (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic, (chopped)
• 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken broth, (best quality such as Swanson)
• 1 cup French lentils, (lentilles du Puy or common brown or green lentils)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• A few tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, (for garnish (optional))