A.K.A

du Puy lentils; Le Puy lentils

What is it?

French green lentils hold their shape well and make an attractive salad or warm side dish. They’re especially nice as a bed for fatty fish like tuna or salmon. They have a delicate flavor and less starchy texture than the larger, more common brown lentils.

Kitchen math:

1 lb. = about 2-1/4 cups = about 5 cups cooked

Don’t have it?

Black beluga lentils are another variety that hold their shape well.

How to choose:

French lentils are not as easy to find as their common brown cousin. Look for them in specialty shops or online. Shop for lentils at a store with a high turnover.

How to prep:

Pick over and rinse the lentils and put them in a saucepan. Cover them with cold water (about a quart of water for each cup of lentils) and add 1 tsp. salt per quart of water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat, partially cover the pot, and simmer until the lentils are slightly firm but tender and still intact, 20 to 30 minutes. Drain.

How to store:

Stored airtight in a cool dry place, lentils will last at least a year.

Cross Reference

brown lentils

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Recipes

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