French Lentil Dip Recipes

SIMPLE BRAISED FRENCH LENTILS

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery and carrots and stir 4-5 minutes, then turn heat down to medium. Cook 4-5 more minutes and add the garlic and lentils. Cook 2 minutes stirring.
• Add the wine. Let this cook-off, about 2 minutes.
• Pour in the stock, salt, and mustard and stir until combined and bring to a good simmer. Add the bay leaves and thyme sprigs, cover and gently simmer on low heat 25-30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
• When the lentils are tender, uncover and cook off any extra liquid ( or feel free to drain). Remove the thyme sprigs, taste and adjust salt. A tiny little splash of red wine vinegar livens them up.
• Leftovers can be frozen for later use, or refrigerated and made into a salad the next day- adding fresh veggies and a simple vinaigrette. Or use for breakfast, warmed on toast, with Sauteed Greens, a poached egg and an herby green sauce like gremolata or Leek oil. YUM. ????

ROASTED BEET AND LENTIL DIP

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F with 2 racks set in the middle. Stir together 1/4 cup water, 1 tablespoon of the oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, thyme, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon salt together in a 2-quart baking dish. Add the beets and stir to coat in the liquid. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the upper rack of the oven until the beets are fork-tender, about 1 hour, stirring the beets once halfway through the cooking time.
• Meanwhile, spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast on the lower rack of the oven until slightly darkened in color and fragrant, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely. Finely chop 3 of the toasted walnuts and reserve for garnish.
• Remove the thyme from the baking dish and discard. Cool the beets and cooking liquid slightly, about 10 minutes. Add the beets, cooking liquid (along with the cooked garlic), whole toasted walnuts, lentils, remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to a food processor. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Season with the remaining 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar if desired.
• Transfer the dip to a small serving bowl and garnish with the reserved walnuts. Serve with pita chips and vegetables.

WARM FRENCH LENTILS

Steps:

• Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium saute 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 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 with the leek and carrots, and add the butter.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the 1/4 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.