Smoky Lentil Soup with Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

INGREDIENTS

• 3 thick-cut bacon slices
• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 carrot, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 1 celery stalk, cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 Tbs. tomato paste
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
• 3/4 cup Red Chief lentils, picked over and rinsed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• Sour cream for garnish
• Grown-up grilled cheese sandwiches for serving