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Warm French Lentils

Source of Recipe

From "Barefoot Contessa: How Easy is That?" by Ina Garten


Recipe Introduction

"There's a little bistro in Paris that Jeffrey and I love and they always have lentils on the menu. In summer, they're served like this—slightly warm with a drizzle of olive oil—and in winter they're served hot with garlicky French sausages. This is classic French peasant food and it's so satisfying."

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 2 tablespoons plus ¼ cup good olive oil
â—¦ 1 leek, white and light green parts, sliced ¼-inch thick
â—¦ 2 carrots, scrubbed and ½-inch-diced
â—¦ 1 teaspoon minced garlic
â—¦ 1 cup French green Le Puy lentils
â—¦ 1 whole onion, peeled and stuck with 6 whole cloves
â—¦ 1 white turnip, cut in half
â—¦ 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
â—¦ 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
â—¦ 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
â—¦ 1 tablespoon kosher salt
â—¦ 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper


Recipe

Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium sauté 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, add the leek and carrots, 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 and add the butter.

Meanwhile, whisk together the ¼ 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.

Serves 4 to 6