French Lentil Stew Lentils Provencal Food

FRENCH LENTIL STEW (LENTILS PROVENCAL)

Steps:

• Coat the bottom of a medium pot with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and place it over medium heat.
• When the oil is hot, add the onion. Sweat the onion for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent.
• Add the garlic and cook it for 1 minute, until very fragrant.
• Add the water, lentils, and herbes de Provence, then raise the heat and bring the water to a boil.
• Lower the heat and allow the lentils to simmer until just a tad undercooked, about 30 minutes. Add a bit of hot water to the pot if it gets too dry while simmering.
• While the lentils cook, sauté the mushrooms. Coat the bottom of a large skillet with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and place it over medium heat.
• Add the mushrooms in an even layer, being careful to avoid crowding the skillet. Cook the mushrooms in batches if needed.
• Cook the mushrooms for about 5 minutes on each side, until browned and tender.
• Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and transfer them to a plate.
• When the lentils have finished simmering there should be just a bit of water left in the pot - not quite enough to cover the lentils. If there's more than that, drain the lentils and return them to the pot with about 1/2 cup of water, then return the pot to the burner.
• Add the wine to the pot. Raise the heat and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to cook until most of the liquid has cooked off, about 4 minutes.
• Stir the cooked mushrooms, tomatoes, tomato paste, olives, and capers into the pot. Bring it back up to a simmer.
• Simmer the stew for 5 to 10 minutes more, until the lentils are as tender as you like them and the stew is thick.
• Remove the pot from heat and season the stew with salt and pepper.
• Divide into bowls and top with fresh basil. Serve.

WARM FRENCH LENTILS

Steps:

• Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium saute pan, add the leek and carrots, and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute and set aside.
• Meanwhile, place the lentils, 4 cups of water, the onion with the cloves, and the turnip in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the lentils are almost tender. Remove and discard the onion and turnip and drain the lentils. Place them in a medium bowl with the leek and carrots, and add the butter.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the 1/4 cup of olive oil, the mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add to the lentils, stir well, and allow the lentils to cool until just warm, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve. The longer the lentils sit, the more salt and pepper you'll want to add.

FRENCH-LENTIL AND SAUSAGE STEW

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Brown sausage, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
• Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to pan; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the lentils, stock, 3 1/2 cups water, bay leaf, 1 teaspoon rosemary, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil; season with salt. Bring stew to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until lentils are just tender, about 50 minutes.
• Return sausage to the pan; cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Stir in remaining 2 teaspoons rosemary. Season stew with salt and pepper.

FRENCH LENTILS WITH GARLIC AND THYME

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.

LENTIL SOUP WITH HERBES DE PROVENCE

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a soup pot over medium heat.
• Add the prosciutto, garlic, onions, carrots and celery, and Herbes de Provence; saute until soft, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the lentils and water/or broth, and bring to a boil.
• Skim off any foam, and lower heat to low, and simmer for 35-40 minutes or until lentils are tender, not mushy.
• Meanwhile brush the baguettes with olive oil and sprinkle grated cheese over them, and brown under the broiler until cheese is browned and bubbly.
• Taste soup and check for seasoning, adding salt and pepper if needed.
• Ladle soup into bowls, and top with toasted baguette. Serve immediately.

FRENCH LENTIL SALAD

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium. Add onion, carrot, and celery, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 6 minutes. Add lentils and cover with 2 inches of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and season with salt and pepper. Let cool.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together remaining oil, lemon juice, and red-pepper flakes. Season with salt. Add lentils, almonds (if using), cabbage, and herbs and toss to combine. Lentil salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

LENTIL SALAD PROVENCAL

Steps:

• Rinse and pick over lentils.
• Put lentils in a four quart saucepan with stock, water, garlic, herbs, carrots, celery and bay leaf.
• Bring to a simmer and cook, gently, uncovered, for 20 to 30 minutes or until lentils are soft but not mushy.
• Drain and allow to cool to room temperature.
• Remove garlic and bay leaf.
• Mix in scallions, parsley and capers.
• Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients, add to the lentils and mix gently.
• At this point, you can allow the salad to sit a bit at room temperature to allow the flavors to marry, or refrigerate, but it is best served at room (or picnic) temperature.
• To serve, place greens on individual plates and mound lentil salad on top.
• Sprinkle halved cherry tomatoes and crumbled cheese over the lentils.
• Bon Appetit!