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 ground black pepper
• A few tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)