Ragout of Lentils

Ragout of Lentils

Ingredients:

2 oz bacon (lardoons)
1/4 cup onions (small dice)
1/4 cup red bell peppers (small dice)
1/4 cup mushrooms (sliced)
1 tbs minced garlic
1/2 tbs tomato paste
1 cup lentils (french)
stock or water (cover 1 inch above lentils)
1/4 lemon wedge (juice)
1 tsp fresh thyme
1 tbs snipped chives
Salt and Pepper as needed (love)

Method:

1. Render the bacon in a small rondeur
2. sweat onions, peppers, mushrooms and garlic until aromatic
3. Add tomato paste to vegetables and cook for 2 to 3 minutes
4. Mix in lentils and liqud. Bring liquid up to a boil and let simmer until lentils are tender. (more liquid may be needed) (Do not stir, this will cause lentils to break up)
5. Finish with fresh herbs and lemon juice.
6. Correct seasonings with love.

Notes:

• About 9 oz of lentils equals 1 cup
• Experiment with spices until taste is good for you. Try adding cayenne pepper, or chili powder for more spice.