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

Cozy, savory, weeknight-fast. A velvety lentil soup with smoky bacon, fresh herbs, and a smart chia swirl. Clear steps and pro tips inside. Save and share.

Why You’ll Love It

This cozy lentil soup checks every box. It is hearty, savory, and satisfying without feeling heavy. The texture is velvety thanks to a tiny addition of chia that gently thickens the broth. Smoky bacon adds depth and a salty crunch on top. Fresh herbs brighten every spoonful.

It cooks fast on a weeknight. The method is simple. No soaking required. You get clean flavors and a balanced bowl that feels comforting and fresh at once.

• Weeknight-easy with simple pantry staples.
• Smoky-salty bacon for contrast and crunch.
• Fresh herbs and lemon for lift and color.
• Chia adds silky body and omega-3s without cream.
• One pot, minimal cleanup, friendly on the budget.

Looking for more time-savers and budget-friendly ideas? Explore Easy Weeknight Dinners, browse Budget Meals, and try our One-Pan Recipes collection.

Ingredients

• Bacon: Thick-cut crisps beautifully and gives savory richness. Use turkey bacon if preferred.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and round out flavor.
• Onion, Carrot, Celery: Classic soup base that adds sweetness and structure.
• Garlic: Brings warm aroma and depth.
• Lentils: Brown or green hold shape yet turn tender in under 30 minutes.
• Broth: Low-sodium chicken or vegetable keeps the soup well seasoned but not salty.
• Crushed Tomatoes: A touch of acidity and body.
• Smoked Paprika and Thyme: Smoky warmth and herbaceous notes.
• Bay Leaf: Subtle background complexity.
• Chia Seeds: Whisked with water to make a light slurry that adds silkiness.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley and dill for brightness. Cilantro works too.
• Lemon Juice: Finishes the soup with sparkle.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Season to your taste.

Ingredient quality matters, but you do not need anything fancy. Lentils are naturally flavorful and nutritious. For a quick nutrition primer on legumes, see this overview from Harvard’s Nutrition Source: Legumes and Health. For technique tips on cooking lentils, Serious Eats offers a helpful guide: How to Cook Lentils.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the base. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. Rinse the lentils in a mesh strainer and pick out any debris.
2. Crisp the bacon. Set a heavy soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped bacon. Cook 6 to 8 minutes, stirring, until deeply golden. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat.
3. Sweat the aromatics. Add olive oil, onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook 5 to 6 minutes, stirring, until glossy and slightly tender. Season with a pinch of salt.
4. Build flavor. Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, and thyme. Cook 30 to 45 seconds until aromatic and lightly toasted. Do not burn the garlic.
5. Simmer the lentils. Add lentils, broth, crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, and a few grinds of pepper. Bring to a lively simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook 20 to 25 minutes, stirring now and then, until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
6. Make a chia slurry. In a small cup, stir chia seeds with 2 tablespoons warm water. Let it stand 1 minute to gel slightly. Stir the slurry into the soup. Simmer 2 more minutes. The broth will take on a velvety feel.
7. Finish and brighten. Stir in half the bacon. Add chopped parsley, dill, and lemon juice. Taste. Add salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf.
8. Serve. Ladle into warm bowls. Top with the remaining bacon and a shower of fresh herbs. Add a drizzle of olive oil if you like.
9. Optional texture tweak. For extra creaminess, blend 1 cup of the soup until smooth and stir back in.
10. Make it a meal. Serve with crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Expert Tips

• Choose the right lentil. Brown or green varieties hold shape. Red lentils will soften quickly and make a thicker, creamier bowl.
• Salt in layers. A small pinch for the aromatics, then adjust again at the end. Lentils soak up seasoning as they cook.
• Balance with acid. A squeeze of lemon at the end lifts the flavors and keeps the soup from tasting flat.
• Control thickness. Add a splash of hot broth if it gets too thick. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
• Herb timing. Add delicate herbs at the end so they stay bright and fragrant.
• Smoky depth without bacon. Use a drop of liquid smoke or a pinch of smoked salt if making a vegetarian version.
• Meal prep smart. Cook the soup slightly under, then finish with herbs and lemon when reheating for best flavor.

Storage

• Cool completely, then refrigerate in airtight containers up to 4 days.
• Freeze up to 3 months. Leave a little headspace for expansion.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen.
• Add fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon after reheating for peak flavor.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip bacon. Sauté in olive oil. Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika plus a pinch of cumin for depth.
• Herb swap: Use cilantro and mint for a fresh twist. Basil is lovely in summer.
• Spicy: Stir in red pepper flakes or a dollop of harissa.
• Creamy finish: Swirl in 2 tablespoons plain yogurt or coconut milk off heat.
• Greens boost: Fold in chopped spinach or kale during the last 3 minutes.
• Grainy body: Add 1/2 cup cooked farro or barley for extra chew.
• Protein lift: Top with a soft-poached egg or shredded rotisserie chicken.

FAQ

• Do I need to soak lentils? No. Rinse and pick through them, but soaking is not required for brown or green varieties.
• Which broth is best? Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth works well. Adjust salt to taste at the end.
• What do chia seeds do here? When whisked with water, they form a light gel that gives the soup silky body without cream.
• Can I use red lentils? Yes, but reduce simmer time to 12 to 15 minutes and expect a creamier texture.
• How do I keep bacon crisp? Reserve some for topping and add it right before serving.
• Is this freezer-friendly? Absolutely. Freeze in single portions for easy lunches.
• How can I make it in one pan? It already is. Everything cooks in the same pot from start to finish. See more ideas in One-Pan Recipes.
• Where can I learn more about lentil nutrition? The Harvard Nutrition Source has a helpful summary: Legumes and Health.

Call to Action

If this hearty, herb-studded lentil soup hits the spot, drop a comment below, rate the recipe, and tell us how you made it your own. Save it for a cozy night and share with a friend who loves simple comfort cooking. For more fast, affordable ideas, browse Easy Weeknight Dinners and our Budget Meals hub.