Imagine a dish that transports you to the rolling countryside of France with every single bite - where rich, earthy lentils dance with wine-kissed vegetables in a symphony of flavor that will make your taste buds sing! This isn't just another boring lentil recipe; this is a culinary adventure that transforms humble ingredients into a gourmet experience that's both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious cooking novice, our Wine-Glazed Lentils with Vegetables will elevate your dinner game and impress even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sort and rinse lentils thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris or small stones. Drain well and set aside.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté chopped onions until translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Incorporate diced carrots and bell pepper into the skillet, cooking for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add rinsed lentils to the vegetable mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Pour in red wine, allowing it to simmer and reduce by half, which will concentrate the flavors and add depth to the dish.
- Add vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet.
- Simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Tips
- Choose the right lentils: Use French green (Puy) lentils for the best texture and flavor retention.
- Don't skip the wine reduction - this is where the magic happens! The wine concentrates and adds incredible depth.
- Keep an eye on liquid levels while simmering to prevent burning.
- For extra richness, consider using a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to fully develop and meld together.
- Fresh herbs as a garnish can brighten the entire dish - parsley or thyme work wonderfully.
- This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be easily made vegan by ensuring your broth is plant-based.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 270kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
