Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the rustic countryside of France with just one bite - a simple yet sophisticated French Lentil recipe that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. These Dijon-infused lentils are not just a side dish; they're a culinary journey that combines hearty nutrition with elegant French flavors, guaranteed to impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup French green lentils
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the French green lentils thoroughly under cold running water, removing any small stones or debris, and drain well.
- In a large saucepan, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and diced carrots, sautéing until the onions become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the garlic's aromatic flavors.
- Pour the rinsed lentils into the pan and stir to combine with the vegetables, allowing them to toast lightly for 1-2 minutes.
- Add vegetable broth to the pan, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer the lentils for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender but still maintain their shape and have absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the Dijon mustard, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Let the lentils rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.
- Serve hot as a side dish or light main course, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Tips
- Always use French green lentils (Lentilles du Puy) for the best texture and authentic flavor - they hold their shape beautifully and have a more robust taste.
- Rinse your lentils thoroughly to remove any dust or small stones, but avoid soaking them, as this can make them mushy.
- Toast the lentils and vegetables briefly before adding liquid to enhance their nutty flavor profile.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the salt content and allow the Dijon mustard to shine.
- Don't overcook the lentils - they should be tender but still have a slight bite, maintaining their structural integrity.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a tablespoon of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley when cooking.
- Let the lentils rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to slightly cool and thicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
