Lentils Du Puy Salad Food

FRENCH PUY LENTIL SALAD

Steps:

• Peel the half-onion and stud with the cloves.
• Combine onion, lentils, lemon zest, garlic, bay leaf, 1 teaspoon cumin and water in a medium-sized pan.
• Bring to the boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed, taking care not to burn- you can add a little more water if needed, but try not to cook much more than 30 minutes as they should be'al dente'.
• Reserve the garlic and chop finely, but discard the onion, lemon zest and bay leaf.
• In a suitable container, whisk together the vinegar, oil, lemon juice, remaining cumin and reserved garlic, to make the dressing.
• Stir the dressing through the lentils with the mint and chopped green onions, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Allow to stand for 30 minutes so that the flavors absorb.
• Serve at room temperature.

SIMPLE FRENCH LENTIL SALAD WITH DIJON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Make the dressing: Combine the shallot, vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt and black pepper to taste in a bowl. Let sit 5 minutes to dissolve the salt, then whisk in the olive oil until blended.
• Put the lentils, bay leaf and thyme sprigs in a 4-6 quart pot along with 2 teaspoons salt and 6 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook 15 minutes.
• Add the carrots, celery and onion to the lentils and continue cooking 5 - 10 minutes, until the lentils are tender. They will have absorbed most, but not all of the liquid.
• Drain the lentils and transfer back to the pot or to a serving bowl. Pluck out the bay leaf and thyme sprigs and discard. Pour the dressing over and stir to coat. Add the parsley and spinach and stir through.
• Sprinkle the cheese and walnuts over the salad and serve warm or at room temperature.

DU PUY LENTILS WITH CARROTS

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, saute the leek in the olive oil until translucent. Add the carrots and saute 1 minute further then add the lentils, chicken broth, parsley stems and bay leaf and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until the lentils are soft but not mushy, about 40 minutes. Remove the cover, turn the heat up to medium and cook strongly 5 to 8 additional minutes, until most of the liquid has been absorbed. Fish out the bay leaf, the dark green leaf part of the leek and parsley stems, stir in the balsamic vinegar and parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot or at room temperature.
• Cook's Note: Du Puy lentils are the small, blue-green marbled lentils grown in the volcanic soil of the southwest of France. If you can't find du Puy lentils, an equal quantity of another small lentil may be substituted. You may need to add 10 or so minutes of cooking time.
• This recipe was provided by a finalist, who may or may not be a professional cook, for The Next Food Network Star. Food Network has not tested this recipe and therefore, we cannot make representation as to the results.

LENTILS DU PUY AND BACON SALAD

Steps:

• Cook 6 slices bacon in heavy large saucepan over medium heat until brown and crisp. Transfer bacon to paper towels, crumble. Drain off all but about three tablespoons of bacon fat.Add onion to drippings; sauté until tender, about 10 minutes.
• Add 6 cups water, lentils, remaining 2 slices of bacon, and thyme to the bacon fat and onion. Bring to boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer. After about 20 minutes, add carrots and continue to cook until lentils are tender, about 10 more minutes.
• Drain lentils, let cool.
• Whisk oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard in bowl to blend.
• Add lentils, red onion, celery, bacon, and parsley. Toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

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.