Basic French Lentils

Sharing is caring!

You will love these Basic French Lentils, a recipe that transforms lentils into a perfect simple side dish. These lentils, cooked in a vegetable stock, have a depth of flavors that will give you a perfect bite no matter how you use them.

French lentils are my favorite recipe to make each Sunday and eat through the week. There are so many things to love about this dish!

Lentils are a nutrient powerhouse. Full of protein, fiber, and key vitamins, these have a lot of health benefits and are very important to a healthy and balanced diet.

This classic lentil recipe has a lot of flavor. It may look like a simple cooked lentils recipe, but they aren’t just cooked in water and left. They are layered with other flavors to give you a great dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

And speaking of time in the kitchen, this french lentil dish comes together so quickly and lasts all week long in the fridge.

You can use these lentils as a side dish or even a main dish or add them to salads and meals throughout the week.

Whether you are familiar with lentil recipes or are just looking for something to put in a lentil salad or lentil soup, these simple french lentils are the perfect ones to try!

What Are French Lentils?

There are a variety of lentils you could purchase in grocery stores. French lentils, also known as Le Puy lentils, are small, dark green lentils with a distinct peppery taste. 

They hold their shape well like red lentils do, and because of their thick skin, french lentils have a nice firm texture and do not cook mushy like some lentils. The end result is a perfect lentil texture that makes them perfect for salads and side dishes.

What Ingredients Are in Basic French Lentils?

• Neutral Cooking Oil: used to soften the veggies without adding too much flavor. I like grapeseed, but you could use extra virgin olive oil.
• Shallot: sweeter & milder than a regular onion, this adds aromatic flavor to the dish
• Leek: also milder than a green onion or regular onion, this adds a quiet flavor without taking over.
• Vegetable Stock: using stock instead of water to cook lentils gives you more flavor soaked into each bite.
• French Green Lentils: Small, green, and peppery, these are the star of the show.
• Bay Leaf: adds an earthiness and a flavor you just can’t put your finger on.
• Salt and Pepper: just a pinch of salt seasons the entire dish so every ingredient can work together in this dish..

Pro Tip: You can make this with chicken stock too, but only substitute if none of your guests are vegan or vegetarian.

How to Cook Basic French Lentils:

1. Give your lentils a good rinse lentils and discard any unwanted bits.
2. Sauté veggies in oil over medium-high heat to soften.
3. Add stock, lentils, and bay leaf.
4. Simmer over low heat until lentils are tender.
5. Drain extra cooking liquid and remove bay leaf.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Are French Lentils and Green Lentils the Same Thing?

French lentils are a variety of green lentils, but green lentils are not always French lentils. They are a little different.

French lentils are smaller and have a thicker skin which means they take a little longer to cook, but they do not get mushy like regular lentils.

Are French Lentils Black Lentils?

No, French lentils are green, not black. Black lentils have a dark, earthy flavor. French lentils have a peppery kick and are green in color.

Are French Lentils Brown Lentils?

No, French lentils are different type of lentil from brown lentils. Brown lentils often lose their shape and get mushy when cooked. French lentils are smaller, hold their shape better, and have a stronger flavor.

How to Use Basic French Lentils:

Use Simple French Lentils as a simple side dish, toss it in salads for extra protein, or mix it into casseroles to add texture and flavor. You can also serve them under your morning eggs or sausage.

Can You Sprout French Lentils?

Yes you can sprout french lentils! While possible, sprouting is not common with French lentils since they are so much smaller than regular lentils. But you are welcome to sprout them and eat them if you like them!

Do You Need to Soak French Lentils?

No, you do not need to soak french lentils before cooking. These lentils cook relatively quickly in this lentils recipe.

Can You Make Basic French Lentils Ahead of Time?

Yes you can make lentils ahead of time! Make this recipe on Sunday and use them throughout the week in salads and other dishes.

How to Store Basic French Lentils:

Store this french lentil recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for up to a week when stored properly.

Can You Freeze Basic French Lentils?

Yes, you can freeze basic lentils. Once they are cool, store this lentil recipe in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months.

Are Basic French Lentils Healthy?

Yes; French lentils are very healthy! Lentils are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Studies have shown that people who regularly eat lentils have a lower body weight or maintain their weight.

What to Serve With Basic French Lentils:

Serve lentils with your favorite recipes like on top of fresh greens or under your favorite burrito bowl. Try pairing them with Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken or Roasted Vegetables. 

You can even serve them as the main dish with a side salad like this Arugula Beet Goat Cheese Salad and these Easy Dinner Rolls for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Additional Easy Side Dishes your family will love are:

• Farro Salad with Arugula
• Confetti Salad
• Roasted Radicchio
• Cool Whip Fruit Dip
• Roasted Baby Broccoli
• Popcorn Salad
• Banana Cornbread
• Spinach Balls with Stuffing
• Watergate Salad
• Simple Brown Rice Salad
• Broccoli Casserole Stuffing Casserole

Whether you need a large pot of small lentils to eat all week long or just a little bit to serve for dinner tonight, these basic French lentils are great side dish with a lot of flavor.

Sharing is caring!