The lentils were served cold with chunks of carrots, onion, and bacon. It was also tossed in a light vinagrette, giving it a savory flavor. After tasting this local dish, I picked up my own box of lentils in a beautiful metal tin from a shop on my street. I plan on making my own version of this salad next week.
I felt very confident when trying French green lentils because I have eaten them before without knowing it! My mom likes to make lentil soup from time to time. In this soup, she uses French green lentils. This type of lentil keeps its shape after boiling instead of becoming mushy, making it a good legume for soups. Imagine my surprise when I learned that the lentils I'd been eating in Florida came from my new home in France! I also felt healthy while eating it. Lentils of Le Puy have a high iron content, which helps people feel less fatigued at high altitudes. (At least, that's what the locals tell me!)
The green lentil of Le Puy can be prepared in many ways. To cook the lentils, you place them in cold water, bring the water to a boil, and then let them simmer for 20 minutes. I also like to eat lentils in a soup. I make this soup by cutting up lots of vegetables, such as carrots, onions, cabbage, and potatoes, and sautéing them in butter for ten minutes. Then I add water and a bouillon cube (a condensed form of broth) and the lentils. I let the whole soup boil for 20 minutes to let the lentils cook. This soup has now become a favorite with my friends.
