French Green Lentils
Posted: 05/21/20
Updated: 11/21/21
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This recipe for French green lentils is so easy – basically just set it and forget it! Just three ingredients and NO soaking, and you have tender, deliciously seasoned lentils that are a great side or perfect for adding to other recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
French green lentils, or “lentils du Puy,” are a smaller, darker type of your typical green lentils, and just as delicious. This incredibly easy recipe uses only garlic to flavor them, yet is rich and perfectly seasoned. There’s no need to add anything else!
Lentils are small and cook quickly, meaning there is no need to soak them before cooking, like with other legumes. They are the perfect addition to your list of pantry staples.
What You’ll Need
French green lentils – You can use other types of lentils, but they have different cooking times (check out the times down below).
Water
Garlic cloves
How To Make Them
- Wash the lentils in a mesh strainer. Make sure to take out any small stones or any lentils that look like they might have gone bad.
- After washing, add the lentils with some water and the garlic to a medium pot. Bring everything to a boil. Reduce the heat so that everything simmers gently and cover with a lid.
- Cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the lentils are nice and tender. After they’ve cooked, drained the lentils and remove the garlic.
Chef’s Tips
- The lentils can overcook, so keep an eye on them, especially after the first 15 minutes.
- You can store cooked lentils for 4-5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also freeze them for up to 4 months.
- If you’d like, you can also add a couple bay leaves to the pot while cooking.
Cook Times For Different Lentils
- Black lentils: 25-30 minutes
- Brown lentils: 20-25 minutes
- Green lentils: 18-20 minutes
More Easy, Healthy Recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Legs
- Easy Tuna Salad
- Homemade Pickles
- Instant Pot Broccoli
- Instant Pot Chickpeas (No Soak!)
French Green Lentils
servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup French green lentils
- 4 cups water
- 2 cloves garlic smash
Instructions
- Wash the lentils in mesh strainer. Remove any small stones or lentils that have gone bad.
- Add water, garlic, and lentils to medium pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and gently simmer. Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender. When done cooking, drain lentils and remove garlic.
Notes
- Note: Keep an eye on lentils as they can overcook.
- Storage: Store cooked lentils for 4-5 days in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze for up to 4 months.
- Seasoning option: Add a couple bay leaves to pot when cooking.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 161kcal | Protein: 12g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Total Carbs: 28g | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 1g | Net Carbs: 14g | Vitamin C: 2mg | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 430mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 3mg
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Leave a Comment