French Lentils with Bacon and Herbs

Name: French Lentils with Bacon and Herbs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup Puy lentils (rinsed); 4 slices bacon (diced); 1 medium onion (diced); 2 medium carrots (diced); 2 stalks celery (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 bay leaf; 4 cups chicken stock; to taste salt and pepper

55 min 4 servings Easy

All Recipes

French Lentils with Bacon and Herbs

Delicious Puy lentils simmered with mirepoix, bacon, and thyme — perfect as a side or main.

Prep

15 min

Cook

40 min

Total

55 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

French Lentils with Bacon and Herbs is a comforting dish that showcases the unique qualities of Puy lentils. Native to the volcanic soil of the Puy region in France, these lentils are celebrated for their firm texture and peppery flavour, making them ideal for hearty dishes. In this recipe, the lentils are simmered with a classic mirepoix of onions, carrots, and celery, enriched with the smoky flavour of bacon and the earthy aroma of thyme. This dish can be served as a satisfying main course or as a robust side dish, complementing a variety of proteins.

Ingredients

Servings

Main Ingredients

Instructions

Cook the bacon

In a large saucepan, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Pro tip: Keep the rendered fat in the pan for added flavour.

Sauté the vegetables

Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pan with the bacon fat. Sauté over medium heat until the vegetables are softened, about 8 minutes.

Pro tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Add garlic and herbs

Stir in the minced garlic, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Simmer the lentils

Add the rinsed Puy lentils to the saucepan, followed by the chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes until the lentils are tender but not mushy.

Pro tip: Avoid overcooking to maintain the lentils' texture.

Season the lentils

Once the lentils are cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the reserved bacon.

Pro tip: Salt at the end to keep lentils firm.

Serve

Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Serve the lentils warm, garnished with additional fresh thyme if desired.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use Puy lentils for their firm texture and peppery taste.</li><li>No soaking is needed for lentils; they cook quickly.</li><li>Salt lentils at the end to keep them intact.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve French Lentils with Bacon and Herbs alongside roasted chicken or grilled sausages for a complete meal. They also pair well with a crisp green salad for a lighter option. Prepare ahead by cooking the lentils and bacon mixture up to two days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat before serving. The flavours will deepen as they sit, making leftovers even more delicious.