Sunny Lentils Recipes

Steps:

• Place the lentils, onion, garlic and bay leaf in a medium saucepan and cover with about 3 inches of cold water (see Cook's Note). Bring to a medium boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and very gently simmer, uncovered, until the lentils are tender, about 22 to 26 minutes. Discard the onion, garlic and bay leaf and then drain the lentils. Season with salt and pepper and serve as a simple side dish. Or refrigerate them unseasoned to keep on hand for topping salads or folding into rice for an easy pilaf.
• Serving Suggestion:
• Cook 1/3 cup each of small-diced carrots, celery and onions in 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 4 minutes. Gently fold the vegetables into the cooked lentils along with 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and 2 teaspoons kosher salt.

Steps:

• Boil 3 cups water, tomatoes, onion, lentils, celery, carrot and thyme in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until lentils are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain; reserve cooking liquid. Return liquid to pan; boil over high heat to reduce liquid to 1/4 cup. Add 2 tablespoons vinegar and lentil mixture to liquid; stir over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp tarragon; season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat but keep warm. Whisk remaining 1⁄2 tbsp vinegar in a bowl with mustard and oil; add salt and pepper. Coat a medium skillet with cooking spray; set over medium heat. Carefully add eggs so yolks remain whole; cook until whites are set; add salt and pepper. Toss lettuces with mustard dressing; divide evenly among 4 plates. Top greens with 1/4 lentils and 1 egg each; sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon tarragon.
• Serve with:
• Half of a 6-inch whole-wheat pita per person