Hello, my fellow food enthusiasts! It’s Julia, your culinary companion. Today, we’re embarking on a gastronomic journey to the rustic countryside of France, right from our own kitchens. Our dish of the day? The hearty, nutritious, and oh-so-satisfying French Lentil Stew.
I can almost hear your thoughts. “Julia, isn’t a stew a bit too heavy for a weeknight dinner?” Well, let me tell you, this French Lentil Stew is as light and wholesome as it is flavorful. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate those nutrient-packed lentils into your diet!
French Lentil Stew Recipe
French Lentil Stew Recipe
Equipment
- 1 large bowl
- 1 hand blender
- 1 large pan
Ingredients
- Two tablespoon of olive oil
- One pound of lentils half boiled
- Half cup of chopped cloves
- Two cups of chopped shallots
- One cup of chopped onions
- One cup of chopped parsley
- One cup of vegetable stock
- One tablespoon of Herbs de
- Provence
- Half cup of chopped fresh thyme
- Half cup of chopped fresh rosemary
- Half cup of chopped fresh chives
- One teaspoon of mix spice powder
- Half teaspoon of smoked paprika
- One bay leaf
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Take a large bowl.
- Add all the chopped ingredients into the bowl.
- Mix all the ingredients well.
- Add a little water into it.
- Blend the mixture with a hand blender.
- Make sure the ingredients turn smooth.
- Add the lentils into the mixture.
- Marinate the half boiled lentils in the mixture for fifteen minutes.
- Take a large pan.
- Add all the ingredients and olive oil into the pan.
- Mix the stew well.
- Cook the stew for ten to fifteen minutes.
- Your dish is ready to be served.
Video
Cooking French Lentil Stew in a Dutch Oven
- Preparation: Follow the same steps as the traditional method for preparing your vegetables and lentils. Preheat your Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium heat.
- Sautéing: Add your oil, vegetables, and herbs to the Dutch oven and sauté until they start to soften. Then add your lentils and broth.
- Simmering: Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the stew to simmer gently for about 1-2 hours, or until the lentils are tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Serving: Give the stew a good stir, adjust the seasoning if needed, and serve hot straight from the Dutch oven.
Tips for making French Lentil Stew
My fascination with the French Lentil Stew began on a crisp autumn evening in a charming French bistro. The warmth of the stew, the depth of flavors, it was pure comfort. Since then, I’ve been recreating that comfort in my kitchen, and now, I’m thrilled to share it with you.
Cooking Tips for French Lentil Stew
Before we get started, here are some tips to ensure your French Lentil Stew is a success:
- Lentil Selection: Green or Puy lentils are my go-to for this stew. They hold their shape well and have a lovely earthy flavor.
- Vegetable Chopping: Chop your vegetables into small pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and blend well with the lentils.
- Herb Choices: Thyme and bay leaf lend a wonderful aroma and flavor to the stew. However, don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite herbs.
- Cooking Time: Patience is key when cooking a stew. Allow it to simmer gently until the lentils are tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Taste As You Go: This is crucial. Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your palate.
How to Serve French Lentil Stew
Now, let’s talk about serving this delightful stew. Here are my suggestions:
- Crusty Bread: There’s nothing like a piece of crusty bread to mop up the delicious broth.
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad on the side adds a nice crunch and freshness to the meal.
- Red Wine: A glass of robust red wine pairs wonderfully with the hearty stew.
FAQs about French Lentil Stew
I’ve received many questions about this dish over the years. Here are answers to the five most common ones:
- Can I use canned lentils? Absolutely! Just remember to rinse them well before adding to the stew.
- What other vegetables can I add? Feel free to add any veggies you like. Root vegetables work particularly well in this stew.
- Can I make the stew in advance? Yes, the flavors actually develop better overnight. Just reheat gently before serving.
- My stew is too thin, what should I do? You can mash some of the lentils to thicken the stew or let it simmer uncovered for a while.
- Can I freeze the stew? Yes, it freezes well. Just defrost and reheat gently when ready to serve.
I hope you enjoy making and savoring this French Lentil Stew as much as I do. Remember, cooking is an art, so feel free to get creative and make this dish your own.