Burritos with Chia Seeds, Bacon, and Herbs – Ready in 30 Minutes [Easy]

Why You’ll Love It

This cozy, savory soup is all about comfort and speed. It simmers to velvety perfection in about 30 minutes, so it fits weeknights without fuss.

• Fast and satisfying – tender lentils, smoky bacon, and bright herbs in one pot.
• Simple pantry staples, elevated with a pinch of smoked paprika and lemon.
• Chia seeds add body and a silky finish without cream.
• Budget-friendly and family-friendly with easy swaps for any diet.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to build deep flavor fast. Grab a heavy pot and a sharp knife. Quick prep, big reward.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives

Optional but lovely:

• A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
• Crusty bread for dipping
• A drizzle of olive oil to finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Keep the heat at medium and let the pot do the work. These steps stack flavor quickly for a soup that tastes like it simmered all afternoon.

1. Warm the pot: Set a medium heavy pot over medium heat. Add olive oil and the diced bacon. Cook, stirring often, until the fat renders and the bacon turns crisp at the edges, about 5 to 7 minutes. Spoon off excess fat, leaving about a tablespoon in the pot for flavor.
2. Aromatics: Stir in onion and carrots with a pinch of salt. Cook until they look glossy and smell sweet, 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and smoked paprika. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Build the base: Add rinsed lentils, broth, and the bay leaf. Scrape the bottom to release any flavorful browned bits. Bring the pot to a lively simmer.
4. Simmer to tender: Reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer. Cook uncovered until the lentils are tender but not falling apart, 15 to 18 minutes. Skim any foam if you like a clearer broth.
5. Silky finish: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in chia seeds and cook 1 to 2 minutes. They hydrate quickly and give the soup a gentle, velvety body.
6. Brighten: Add lemon juice. Taste, then season with salt and black pepper. If you want more smoky depth, add another pinch of smoked paprika.
7. Serve: Ladle into warm bowls. Top with the crispy bacon from the pot, parsley, and chives. Add a swirl of olive oil if you like a glossy finish.
8. Make it a meal: Serve with toasted bread, a simple salad, or a spoonful of yogurt for cool contrast.

Expert Tips

• Pick your lentil: Brown or green lentils hold shape best and give a tender bite. Red lentils break down for a creamier texture. Mix types for a layered mouthfeel.
• Render right: Let bacon start in a cool pot, then bring up the heat. It renders evenly and turns crisp without burning.
• Season in layers: Salt the aromatics lightly, then taste again after simmering. Broth and bacon add salt, so finish with care.
• Chia timing: Add chia near the end. It thickens quickly and keeps the broth glossy rather than gluey.
• Acid at the finish: Lemon wakes up the soup and balances the smoky notes. A splash of vinegar also works.
• Texture tune-up: If you like it thicker, mash a ladle of lentils against the pot side or blend a cup and return it.
• Herb strategy: Stir some herbs in and keep some for topping. The contrast gives freshness in every bite.
• Make it one-pan: Use a wide pot so more surface area browns the aromatics. Faster, deeper flavor. See more ideas in One-Pan Recipes.

For more on cooking lentils, see this detailed guide from Serious Eats How to Cook Lentils. For nutrition context on pulses, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health offers a helpful overview Beans and Legumes.

Storage

• Fridge: Cool completely, then store in airtight containers up to 4 days. The flavors meld and deepen.
• Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water as needed. Stir often so it heats evenly.
• Freshen it up: Squeeze a little lemon and add fresh herbs after reheating to revive brightness.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip bacon. Start with olive oil, add a teaspoon of olive brine or smoked paprika for savory depth.
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes with the garlic or stir in a spoon of harissa at the end.
• Herb swap: Try dill and mint for a Mediterranean vibe, or rosemary and thyme for a woodsy flavor.
• Protein twist: Stir in cooked sausage, rotisserie chicken, or seared mushrooms for heft.
• Creamy finish: Blend in a spoon of tahini or a splash of coconut milk for a lush texture.
• Greens: Fold in a couple of handfuls of baby spinach or chopped kale during the last 2 minutes.
• Citrus play: Lemon is classic, but orange zest or a splash of sherry vinegar makes it pop.

FAQ

Can I use red lentils? Yes. They cook faster and break down, giving a creamier, stew-like texture. Reduce simmer time to 10 to 12 minutes and add chia at the very end.

What if I do not eat pork? Use turkey bacon, plant-based bacon, or skip it. Add a little smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke for similar depth.

Do I need to soak lentils? No soaking needed for brown or green lentils. Rinse well and check for small stones.

How can I make it gluten-free? This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free broth. Always check labels.

Can I make it in a slow cooker? Yes. Sauté bacon and aromatics on the stovetop, then transfer to a slow cooker with broth and lentils. Cook on low 4 to 5 hours, then finish with chia, lemon, and herbs.

Will chia seeds change the flavor? They are neutral and mostly add body. You will taste the smoky bacon and bright herbs more than the seeds.

How do I stretch it for a crowd? Add an extra cup of broth and another half cup of lentils. Taste and adjust salt and lemon.

Call to Action

Cook this tonight and enjoy a bowl of cozy, smoky comfort. If you loved it, please leave a comment and a star rating. Save it to your weeknight rotation and share with a friend. For more quick wins, browse Easy Weeknight Dinners, explore Budget Meals, and keep it simple with One-Pan Recipes.