Lentils, a staple in many cultures, are small, round legumes that are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. French lentils, known for their delicate flavor and texture, are especially well-suited for light and flavorful dishes. When paired with aromatic garlic and savory thyme, they create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe will guide you through the steps of creating a delectable and nutritious meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!
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
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 LENTILS WITH GARLIC AND THYME
Categories Vegetable
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place a large saucepan over medium heat and add oil. When hot, add chopped vegetables and saute 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 to cool and reheat later.
FRENCH LENTILS WITH WALNUTS AND GOAT CHEESE
These lentils go well with Roasted Beetroot with Sauteed Greens.
Provided by Food Network
Time 50m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Put the lentils in a saucepan with the bay leaf and thyme. Pour over 1 1/3 cups/375 ml water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until tender, 30 to 40 minutes. All the liquid should be absorbed, if not simply drain off any excess.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a saute pan and fry the onion until soft. Add the garlic for 1 minute, then deglaze the pan with a splash of balsamic vinegar. Once the lentils are cooked, toss them with the onion mixture, season with salt and pepper and put them in a serving dish. Scatter over the nuts and pinches of cheese. Drizzle with walnut oil. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 278, Fat 17 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Cholesterol 9 milligrams, Sodium 181 milligrams, Carbohydrate 22 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 12 grams, Sugar 2 grams
FRENCH LENTILS WITH CARROTS AND PEARL ONIONS
Categories Bean Onion Vegetable Side Vegetarian High Fiber Lentil Root Vegetable Carrot Fall Winter Healthy Gourmet Pescatarian Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
Yield Makes 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Blanch pearl onions in a 3- to 4-quart heavy saucepan of boiling water 1 minute, then drain and peel.
- Heat butter in dry cleaned saucepan over moderate heat until foam subsides, then cook onions, carrots, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add lentils and water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, until lentils are just tender, 12 to 20 minutes. Discard thyme and bay leaf. Transfer lentils to a serving dish using a slotted spoon. Sprinkle with parsley.
BRAISED LENTILS WITH GARLIC SAUSAGE
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories dinner, main course
Time 1h30m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat oil over medium heat in large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven. Slice onion into quarters; cut quarters crosswise into 1-inch chunks. Add onion, celery and garlic to pan; cook, stirring, until onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Do not let vegetables brown (lower heat if necessary).
- Add sausage, lentils, thyme and enough water to cover. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer, partially covered, until lentils are tender, about 1 hour.
- Season with vinegar and additional salt and pepper. Discard thyme. Stir in the parsley. Serve warm, with mustard alongside.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 757, UnsaturatedFat 27 grams, Carbohydrate 53 grams, Fat 43 grams, Fiber 9 grams, Protein 42 grams, SaturatedFat 12 grams, Sodium 1131 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams
Tips:
- Use French lentils for the best results, as they hold their shape well during cooking.
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
- Use a large pot or Dutch oven to cook the lentils, as they will expand during cooking.
- Add the lentils to the pot along with the water, vegetable broth, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
- Once the lentils are cooked, remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.
- Season the lentils with additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
- Serve the lentils hot, topped with chopped fresh parsley or chives.
Conclusion:
French lentils with garlic and thyme is a simple but delicious dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover lentils. The lentils are cooked in a flavorful broth with garlic, thyme, and bay leaf, and they are then seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. The lentils can be served hot or cold, and they can be topped with a variety of ingredients, such as chopped fresh parsley, chives, or crumbled cheese.
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