Simple Lentils with Carrots and Smoked Bacon Cooking Recipes

Lentils with Carrots and Smoked Bacon

This is a favorite way to serve lentils in Europe. It is so popular that there are very acceptable canned versions on sale in almost every supermarket. Today, you can often find lentils prepared like this sealed in plastic in the refrigerated cases of specialty markets. They are almost good enough to make you forego preparing them yourself, and make a fine base for lentil soup. This is very hearty cold-weather dish goes well with baked ham, or pork in any form, especially garlicky sausages.

Makes at least 6 servings

• 2 cups brown lentils, carefully picked over

• 1 medium-size onion, chopped

• ¼ pound slab bacon, cut into ¼ inch dice

• 2 cups well-flavored beef stock

• ½ cup red wine

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme, or 2 teaspoons dried

• 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into large dice

1. Combine all the ingredients except the carrots in a large heavy saucepan. Simmer, covered, over low heat until the lentils are tender, 30 to 45 minutes.

2. Stir in the carrots and simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed and the lentils and carrots are very tender but not falling apart, 15 to 20 minutes longer.

3. Season again with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve this simple cooking recipes hot.

Note: while red lentils are very colorful, they tend to fall apart if cooked too long and should not be used in dishes like this.

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