Description
Barefoot Contessa’s Warm French Lentils offer a rustic French countryside charm with hearty legumes simmered in aromatic herbs and rich vegetables. Silky lentils nestled in a savory broth create a comforting dish that will transport you to a charming Parisian kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Legumes:
- 175 grams (1 cup) French green Le Puy lentils
Vegetables:
- 1 whole onion, peeled and stuck with 6 whole cloves
- 1 white turnip, cut in half
- 1 leek (white and light green parts), sliced ¼ inch thick
- 2 carrots, scrubbed and diced into 1.25 centimeters (½-inch) pieces
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons (60 milliliters) good olive oil
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by heating of olive oil in a medium skillet. Gently sauté the leeks and carrots over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes, allowing them to soften and develop a subtle sweetness.
- Introduce minced garlic to the vegetable mixture and cook for an additional minute, releasing its fragrant essence. Remove the skillet from heat and set the sautéed vegetables aside.
- In a large saucepan, bring of water to a rolling boil. Add the lentils, whole onion studded with cloves, and turnip to infuse additional depth of flavor.
- Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, incorporate the previously sautéed vegetables, and let the mixture cook uncovered for 20 minutes. The lentils should become tender but retain a slight firmness.
- Carefully remove and discard the clove-studded onion and turnip. Drain the lentils thoroughly and transfer them to a medium mixing bowl. Fold in the butter, ensuring even distribution and creating a rich, smooth texture.
- Craft the vibrant dressing by whisking together of olive oil, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Drizzle the dressing over the warm lentils, gently stirring to ensure complete coating. Allow the mixture to rest for approximately 15 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the temperature become pleasantly warm.
- Taste and fine-tune the seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper according to your preference. Serve the lentil dish warm, showcasing its rich, complex flavors.
Notes
- Meal prepping becomes a breeze with this lentil salad that develops richer flavors overnight in the refrigerator.
- Seasoning might need a quick taste test before serving since lentils absorb and mellow out dressings beautifully.
- Letting the lentils sit and marinate for at least 15 minutes allows the dressing to fully penetrate and enhance their earthy taste.
- Onion and turnip work magic by infusing deep, complex flavors into the lentils, even though they’re removed before the final serve.
- French green lentils are the secret weapon, maintaining a firm texture and preventing the mushy consistency typical of other lentil varieties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 256mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 2mg