Begin by gathering your ingredients for the French Lentil Bacon Soup. Chop the carrots, onion, and celery into small, even pieces for uniform cooking. Rinse the French lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.

In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, onions, and celery, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and the onion becomes translucent.

Stir in the rinsed lentils along with crispy bacon, fresh thyme, and the bay leaf. Add in the chicken or vegetable broth, bringing everything to a rolling boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 30-35 minutes until the lentils are tender.

After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and taste your soup to adjust the seasonings. Sprinkle in salt and pepper according to personal preference, and remove the bay leaf.

Ladle the steaming French Lentil Bacon Soup into warm bowls and serve it with crusty bread.