Hearty Lentil Ragout – A French Delight!

Lentil Ragout is a delightful French dish that showcases the naturally rich flavors of Puy lentils. This hearty ragout is not just a satisfying side dish, but it’s also packed with nutrients. It’s an excellent way to enjoy legumes while adding a touch of French culinary flair to your meal. Whether you are looking for a vegetarian option or just want to try something new, this lentil dish is sure to please.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Lentil Ragout is a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, this dish is simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Second, Puy lentils are known for their firm texture and unique flavor, which makes them stand out in any meal. Additionally, this recipe is filled with healthy ingredients, offering a great source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Finally, it’s versatile; you can serve it as a side or as a base for various proteins, making it a great option for any occasion.

How to Make Lentil Ragout

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove (finely minced)
1/2 onion (finely diced)
1 large carrot (peeled and finely diced)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 bay leaf (preferably fresh, otherwise dried)
1 thyme sprig
1 cup Puy lentils (French lentils)
3 cups vegetable stock
1/2 tsp salt (skip if using store-bought)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp parsley (finely chopped)

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Begin by heating the olive oil to create a flavorful base.
Sauté garlic, carrot, and onion until softened – around 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and onion to the pan. Cook these ingredients until they become tender and fragrant.
Cook off tomato paste: Add tomato paste, bay leaf, and thyme. Cook for 2 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste, bay leaf, and thyme, allowing them to cook together for a couple of minutes to deepen the flavor.
Add lentils, simmer for 15 minutes.
Next, add in the Puy lentils, vegetable stock, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, bring it to a simmer, then lower the heat. Simmer without a lid for about 15 minutes, being careful not to overcook the lentils.
Season: Stir through parsley. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve!
Finally, mix in the chopped parsley, taste your ragout, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. It’s now ready to serve!

How to Serve Lentil Ragout

Lentil Ragout pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or can be served alongside roasted vegetables and grilled meats. You can also enjoy it as a hearty standalone dish by garnishing with some extra parsley or a sprinkle of cheese.

How to Store Lentil Ragout

If you have leftovers, let the ragout cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in portions. Simply thaw and reheat before serving.

Tips to Make Lentil Ragout

Ensure you rinse the lentils before cooking. This removes any debris and helps them cook more evenly.
For added depth, consider including diced tomatoes or other vegetables like zucchini.
If you want a bit of heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give your ragout a nice kick.

Variation

There are plenty of ways to tweak this recipe. You might add mushrooms for an earthy flavor, or swap the vegetable stock for chicken stock for a non-vegetarian option. Herbs like rosemary or oregano can also be a great addition for a different flavor profile.