French Lentils

Picture of all the ingredients.
All the ingredients. Photo by PattyCooks.

Diet
[x] Flexitarian + Omnivore
[x] Vegan
[x] Vegetarian
[x] Pescatarian 
[x] Gluten free
[x] Weight Maint
[O] Keto Diet
[x] Mediterranean 
[x] Lectin Avoidance: ?
[O] Oxalate Avoidance: lentils have lower oxalate (?)
[x] Purine Avoidance

French Lentils

Basics on how to cook brown, French Lentils.

  • 1 diced carrot
  • 1 diced red onion
  • 3 diced garlic
  • 1 T olive oil
  • 2 T thyme leaves
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 6 C water
  • 1 C french lentils
  • Kosher salt
  • Ground black pepper

Mise en Place

  1. First, wash and dice the veggies.

  2. Then wash and measure out the herbs.

  3. Pour the lentils on a baking sheet and review for any stones or other items that do not belong. Rinse the lentils using a sieve and running water and set aside.

Sautee

  1. Sautée the aromatics (garlic, onion, carrots) in oil until onions are translucent.

  2. Add herbs and heat in the oil a bit, to help release aromas.

  3. Then add water and lentils.



Boiling and Simmer

  1. Cook until boiling, then cover and lower heat to a low simmer (just a few bubbles) for ~35 minutes.

  2. Taste for texture and add additional time in 5 min increments. Be sure to monitor as too much cooking will make the lentils mushy, and we want to feel each individual bean as we eat.

Serve

  1. Drain off any remaining liquid, and season with salt and plenty of pepper.

  2. To serve as a stand alone side, add a creamy olive-vinegar dressing.

  3. To serve as a Lentil Salad mix these lentils with the other ingredients.

  4. To have on hand, break into portions and freeze for future "thaw and use".

This is a healthy side dish that can be used for a variety of recipes, both warm and cold.