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French Lentils with Carrots and Pearl Onions

3.5

(9)

The cooking time of lentils varies — the fresher they are, the faster they will cook.

Cooks' note:

Lentils can be made 1 day ahead and cooled completely, uncovered, then chilled, covered. Reheat over moderately low heat, covered, stirring occasionally, 10 to 15 minutes.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    1 1/4 hr

  • Yield

    Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

2 (10-ounce) packages fresh pearl onions
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large carrots, cut diagonally into 1/8-inch-thick slices
4 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 fresh thyme sprigs
1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf
2 cups dried French green lentils (14 ounces), rinsed
5 cups water
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Blanch pearl onions in a 3- to 4-quart heavy saucepan of boiling water 1 minute, then drain and peel.

    Step 2

    Heat butter in dry cleaned saucepan over moderate heat until foam subsides, then cook onions, carrots, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, 6 to 8 minutes.

    Step 3

    Add lentils and water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, until lentils are just tender, 12 to 20 minutes. Discard thyme and bay leaf. Transfer lentils to a serving dish using a slotted spoon. Sprinkle with parsley.

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