Preparing the Lentils

• Soak the lentils in water for 30 minutes then drain the water from the lentils and rinse under cold water.
• Place the lentils in a large pot. Add the 2 quarts of chicken broth and ½ of the white onion.
• On high bring to a boil. When the lentils have come to a boil reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tsp. salt. Remove any foam that forms.

Preparing the Bacon

• Cut the strips of bacon in half. 
• In a medium-hot pan, cook the bacon until it has started to brown on both sides.
• Add the browned bacon to the lentils and continue cooking over medium heat. Remove the half onion from the lentils and discard.

Preparing the Vegetables

• Peel and chop the carrots into ¼ in. pieces.
• Chop the onion into ¼ in. pieces.
• Remove the seeds and chop the tomatoes into ¼ in. pieces.
• Preheat 3 tbsps. olive oil to medium hot. Add the onion first and cook for 3 minutes until the onions just start to become translucent.
• Add the carrots and cook for 3 more minutes.
• Add the tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes are just starting to break apart.
• Add the onion, carrot, tomato mixture, and the sprigs of cilantro to the lentils and stir.

Finishing the Soup

• Cook your lentils for 10 more minutes. Add water one cup at a time if the soup is too thick. Taste and add salt if needed before serving.