This is one of my favorite lentil recipes! And that’s saying something since I’m currently obsessed with lentils and beans. Braised in red wine and topped with caramelized onions and blistered tomatoes this vegan dish is rich in flavors. I think of these as sexy date night lentils!
If you’re new to the world of lentils, you have come to the right place. I have an ever-growing list of recipes featuring all types of lentils and blog posts about the differences between varieties.
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About French Lentils
French lentils or french green lentils are different from many other kinds of lentils you find in the store for a few reasons:
- Size: French lentils are smaller than most varieties.
- Texture: French lentils hold their shape and texture when cooked, making them an excellent choice for this braise and soups.
- Flavor: French lentils have a peppery taste and earthy flavor, which pairs beautifully with the red wine in this recipe.
Le Puy Lentils are a kind of French Lentils grown in the Puy region of central France, known for its volcanic soil. French lentils are easy to find in the grocery store.
Nutrition Facts
The USDA provides the following nutrition information for ¼ cup serving of French green lentils.
- 180 Kcal
- 13g protein, 26% DV
- .5g Fat, 1% DV
- 30g Carbohydrate, 10%
- 15g Fiber, 60%
If you're interested in learning more about the nutrition content of lentils check I have a post all about the health benefits of lentils.
How to cook French lentils?
You can cook French lentils in multiple ways, and I am going to outline two different ways here because they both have their place in your kitchen.
First is a wonderfully simple way to make lentils for salads, and grain bowls, and incorporate other dishes. This recipe is excellent for meal prepping for multiple different kinds of recipes.
The second recipe is the mouthwatering French lentils that you will dream about. Braised with red wine and topped with caramelized onions. This recipe is also great for meal prep because you won’t mind eating this for multiple days in a row.
The sexy lentils recipe is outlined in the recipe card but I included the simple cooking process instructions in the note section of the recipe card, too.
Simple Instructions for Meal Prep
In a large saucepan add about 3 cups of water and 1 cup of green French lentils.
Unlike quinoa or rice, you do not need an exact water-to-lentil ratio. Think more like you’re cooking pasta, you just need significantly more water than lentils. You can also use broth instead of what to add an extra layer of flavor.
I like to add a bay leaf, an onion cut in half, and a clove of garlic to add extra flavor to the lentils. Do not salt the lentils before cooking! They will become tough and less appetizing. Bring the water and lentils to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook and low for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
Drain the water (or broth) from the lentils and set the lentils aside until they come down to room temperature. Discard the bay leaf, half onion, and garlic.
Instructions For the BEST French Lentils Recipe!!!
Start by chopping your onion, carrot, and celery. And a medium-sized saucepan, heat some olive oil and add the vegetables to sauté for 5-10 minutes on medium-low heat.
Once the vegetables are softened, add the garlic, sage, and tomato paste. Stir continually mix and continue to sauté for another two minutes.
Next, add red wine, water, dijon mustard, and french lentils. Stir the lentils and bring them to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, a gentle simmer, and cook for 45 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Meanwhile, slice the remaining onion. Add olive oil to a frying pan and caramelized onions on medium-low heat for 20 to 25 minutes.
Once the onions are fully caramelized, remove them from the frying pan and set them aside. Next, you are going to blister the cherry tomatoes. Add more olive oil to the pan and turn the heat to medium heat.
Once the oil heats up, cook for 2 to 4 minutes or until soft and blistered.
Once the lentils are tender, remove them from the heat and add 2 cups of hearty greens. Kale, spinach, or Swiss chard are great options because they are delicious when slightly wilted.
Before serving the French Lentils, top them with caramelized onions and blistered tomatoes.
A few of my favorite optional toppings for these hearty lentils are chopped fresh basil (and grated Parmesan cheese for those who aren’t vegan.) Get yourself a piece of crusty bread and enjoy this mouthwatering lentil dish.
Tips, Tricks and Alterations
Change the liquids- You can use vegetable broth or chicken broth instead of cold water. Or you can even use water instead of red wine- but I warn you the red wine is where much of the magical flavor comes from in this dish.
Acid- if you don't have lemons on hand you can use balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar instead.
Meal prep- Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy all week.
Fresh herbs- serve with chopped fresh parsley, basil, or oregano.
More Lentil Recipes:
- lentil soup
- curry red lentils with sweet potatoes
- lentil salad with feta and pomegranate
- how to cook black lentils?
- how to cook brown lentils?
If you’ve tried this French Lentils recipe or any other recipe on BalancingBowls, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more tasty meals and anything else I’m up to.
Recipe
French Lentils
Ingredients
- 11/2 cup french lentils
- 3 onions (1 chopped, 2 sliced)
- 4 carrots
- 4 stalks of celery
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
- 3 cups red wine
- 3 cups of water
- 3 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 16 oz of cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups hearty greens baby kale spinach, or swiss chard
Instructions
- Start by chopping your 1 onion chopped, carrot, and celery. And a medium-sized saucepan, heat some olive oil and add the vegetables to sauté for 10 minutes on medium-low heat.
- Add the garlic, sage, and tomato paste. String continually mix and continue to sauté for another two minutes.
- Add red wine, water, Dijon mustard, and French lentils. Stir the lentils and bring them to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, a gentle simmer, and cook for 45 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- Meanwhile, slice the remaining onion. Add olive oil to a frying pan and caramelized onions on medium-low heat for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Once the onions are fully caramelized, remove them from the frying pan and set them aside. Next, you are going to blister the cherry tomatoes.
- Add more olive oil to the pan and turn the heat to medium-high heat. Once the oil heats up, cook for 2 to 4 minutes or until soft and blistered.
- Once the lentils are tender, remove them from the heat and add the lemon juice and 2 cups of hearty greens.
- Before serving the French Lentils, top them with caramelized onions and blistered tomatoes.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!