1 garlic clove
1 onion, finely chopped
1 red pepper, finely chopped
1 small sweet potato, peeled and finely diced
large sprig thyme
1.5 litres/3lb 5oz chicken or vegetable stock
200g/7oz red lentils
1 bay leaf
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp oil
75g/2戮oz smoked back bacon, trimmed of all fat and finely chopped