Hearty Lentil Stew with Salted Pork - A French Delight

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) green lentils 1 cup (200g) green lentils
• 8 oz (225g) salted pork, diced 8 oz (225g) salted pork, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 sprig of thyme 1 sprig of thyme
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 12g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, cook the diced salted pork over medium heat until browned and crispy.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
4. 4.
   Add the rinsed lentils, bay leaves, thyme sprig, and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
5. 5.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprig from the stew.
7. 7.
   Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Salted pork — If you can't find salted pork, you can substitute it with smoked bacon or ham hock for a similar flavor profile.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor of the stew, you can add a splash of red wine during the cooking process.
• For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked lentils with a fork before serving.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify over time.

Serving advice

Serve the Hearty Lentil Stew with Salted Pork in deep bowls, accompanied by crusty French bread for dipping. It pairs well with a simple green salad on the side.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stew with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top to add a pop of color. Serve it in rustic bowls to enhance the traditional French aesthetic.