PERFECT LENTILS
Lentils don't require soaking like other dried legumes, making them ideal for an easy weeknight meal or pantry cleanout dish. The key to tender and intact (not mushy) lentils is to cook them at a gentle simmer -- and resist the urge to stir! The following method works equally well for green, French Le Puy, brown or beluga lentils. But it's not a good match for red and yellow lentils, which usually come split and cook faster.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 35m
Yield 3 cups
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Place the lentils, onion, garlic and bay leaf in a medium saucepan and cover with about 3 inches of cold water (see Cook's Note). Bring to a medium boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and very gently simmer, uncovered, until the lentils are tender, about 22 to 26 minutes. Discard the onion, garlic and bay leaf and then drain the lentils. Season with salt and pepper and serve as a simple side dish. Or refrigerate them unseasoned to keep on hand for topping salads or folding into rice for an easy pilaf.
- Serving Suggestion:
- Cook 1/3 cup each of small-diced carrots, celery and onions in 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 4 minutes. Gently fold the vegetables into the cooked lentils along with 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and 2 teaspoons kosher salt.
FRENCH LENTILS WITH GARLIC AND THYME
This is a classic French way to cook lentils, and it's very easy. Aromatics are sautéed and then simmered with French lentils, also known as Le Puy lentils, for 20 to 25 minutes. It is an easy side dish (shown here with cod baked with prosciutto), redolent of a Provencal feast.
Provided by Nigella Lawson
Categories weekday, side dish
Time 40m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place a large saucepan over medium heat and add oil. When hot, add chopped vegetables and sauté until softened, 5 to 10 minutes.
- Add 6 cups water, lentils, thyme, bay leaves and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a fast simmer.
- Simmer lentils until they are tender and have absorbed most of the water, 20 to 25 minutes. If necessary, drain any excess water after lentils have cooked. Serve immediately, or allow them to cool and reheat later.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 330, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 49 grams, Fat 8 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 18 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 259 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams
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