Lentils and bacon are just one of those combinations that work so well. I always make a big batch as it freezes really well and is perfect for a quick, filling lunch if you are stuck. I’ve also found that this is really popular with my children which makes it even more of a winner!
I use puy lentils if I can find them, although it’s not always that easy to find the boxes of dry ones (Merchant Gourmet do them in Sainsburys, but they are pretty steep at £3.50). The ones I have used here were from my local health food shop, and much better value (sometimes they are called dark speckled lentils). Puy lentils are particularly nice in this, but green lentils also work well.
I love the Marigold Suiss Bouillon vegetable stock- it beats anything else I have tried. They stock it in most supermarkets and health food shops- or Amazon!