Bacon, Onion, & Brown Lentil Skillet

Ingredients:
6 center cut bacon slices
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
6 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 cup dried brown lentils
1 cup water
2 Tbsps chopped fresh parsley
1/4 tsp black pepper

Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until crisp; remove from pan, reserving 2 tsps drippings in pan
Crumble bacon, set aside
Add onion to drippings in pan; saute 5 mins or until lightly browned
Add carrot, celery, thyme, & garlic; cook for 5 mins or until crisp-tender
Add broth, lentils, & water; bring to a boil
Cover, reduce heat, & simmer 15 mins or until lentils are just tender
Uncover & increase heat to medium-high; cook 6 mins or until liquid almost evaporates
Remove from heat; stir in parsley, pepper, & bacon