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    French Lentil Spinach Delight with Crème Fraîche

    clock-icon50 minutes
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    Pixicook editorial team

    A delightful French-inspired dish combining lentilles du Puy, baby spinach, Dijon mustard, and crème fraîche.

    Ingredients for French Lentil Spinach Delight with Crème Fraîche

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    serves
    6 peoplechevron
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    Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Finely Chopped Onion, finely chopped

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Finely Chopped Carrot, finely chopped

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Finely Chopped Celery, finely chopped

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Table Salt

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Chicken Stock

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Dried Lentilles Du Puy, picked over and rinsed

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Baby Spinach

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Dijon Mustard

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Creme fraiche

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make French Lentil Spinach Delight with Crème Fraîche

    1. Cook vegetables

    Heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery, sprinkling in ½ teaspoon of table salt. Cook these vegetables for about 5 minutes until they are tender and aromatic.

    2. Add lentils and broth

    Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and add the rinsed lentilles du Puy. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling slightly, reduce the heat, cover the saucepan, and let it cook for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on the liquid level; if the mixture looks dry, add hot water ¼ cup at a time.

    3. Add spinach and mustard

    Once the lentils are cooked to perfection, gently fold in 2 ounces of baby spinach and 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard. Turn off the heat and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes.

    4. Serve with crème fraîche

    Transfer the lentil mixture to a serving bowl. Just before serving, dollop ¼ cup of crème fraîche on top. Serve immediately and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors.

    Pitfalls and tips

    Taste, Taste, Taste

    Regularly taste and adjust seasonings to balance the flavors of lentils, spinach, aromatics, and crème fraîche.

    Select the Right Lentils

    Use French green lentils, or lentilles du Puy, for their ability to hold shape and peppery flavor. Avoid mushy red or yellow lentils.

    Fresh Spinach

    Opt for fresh spinach, remove thick stems if necessary, and add it at the end of cooking to retain color and texture.

    Seasoning in Layers

    Salt the lentils while cooking and adjust the seasoning again after combining with spinach and aromatics.

    Cook Lentils Perfectly

    Rinse lentils and cook them with a bay leaf and garlic in broth or water. Aim for a tender yet firm texture in 20-25 minutes.


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