It may be just because I under-salted them (I'm consistently amazed by just how much salt really matters), but I thought these were kind of boring on their own. Absolutely fine, and a nice healthy side dish, but definitely nothing to write home about. They are, however, a great component in recipes. The night I made them I served them with savory wheat crackers (a TWD make-up recipe that I'll write up soon), a fish-free nicoise salad (one of this month's CCC recipes which I'll also write up soon), and a hard goat cheese. It was a satisfying meal, if not too exciting. The next day I used them in a curried egg and lentil sandwich (another one of this month's CCC recipes). The sandwich was a winner and a good reminder that, even if they're boring, it's nice to have cooked, relatively plain, lentils around the house.
For those keeping score, aka Paul and me, Charlotte is not a huge fan of lentils yet (or any beans except for green beans). She entertained herself for a good while slowly picking up and eating one lentil at a time, but definitely didn't consume a lot of these. We'll have to keep trying.
Charlotte is more adventuresome than my hubby! I enjoyed these as a salad...the dressing did help boost the flavor :)
ReplyDeleteGoodness, you have been busy! I've been mighty tempted by the CCC book, but I can barely seem to keep up with FFwD these days, so I think I need to finish this book before launching another.
ReplyDeleteI am chuckling thinking how entertaining it was to watch her pick them up one by one, and how much dinner you got through while she was doing so. Great sides and great re-use of the leftovers. I was very pleased though have to say my darker lentils were way tastier so I can't imagine how yummy the actual du Puy ones would be. I will keep searching for them.....
ReplyDeleteHubby loves his lentils, I will eat them the first night, but for some reason
ReplyDeleteI do not care for them left over. I do like the sound of the curried egg and
lentil sandwich, I'll bet it was delicious.
I forgot to season mine and I forgot to add the Cognac, but I used salty chicken stock to cook them in which overcame it all. I liked these but I have now run out of lentils and won't be rushing to buy more.
ReplyDeleteI think it’s wonderful that Charlotte eats with mom and dad! Sounds like she has a great taste palate already! I happen to really enjoy lentils so this dish was a hit with me. I added the vinaigrette and, some goat cheese, definitely kicked it up a notch!
ReplyDeleteHow many lentils did she drop? :) This recipe was very plain, and you are so right about the salt. We are having a running debate at home because Howard always things there is enough salt, and I think it needs more. I love having lentils around to use in other dishes, especially lentil salad. Can't wait to hear about the CCC recipes. I didn't picked a different one.
ReplyDeleteI sautéed the vegetables and the addition of oil and deeping the flavor of the seasoning with oil makes a big difference with lentils. I didn't think the original recipe was very good in it's technique, but the ingredients were good.
ReplyDeleteGreat reminder about that sandwich!! Not one I signed up for, but... I actually love these lentils. I wrote about how I usually serve them - a little "dressed up". Good work on all of your recipes!! You are right about the seasoning - so important!
ReplyDeleteFirst, I am kicking muyself because I am writing up a catch-up CCC August recipe (white beans and artichokes) and wanted to pair it with an egg salad sandwich (I used duck eggs) but forgot to use the September curried egg salad mix. Just used my own recipe. Darn. I also think Dorie does not use enough salt. I normally add much more. Just my preference. Once you get the basic lentil recipe down, you can do all sorts of things with them. Especially, like Betsy referred to, dropping them on the floor. A good counting exercise for a wee one!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have been cooking a lot. I didn't eat beans as a kid either but I love them now.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this as a side, it was good! Love all the dishes you made featured in this post!
ReplyDeleteI do try to salt them generously, if I'm eating them as is. Sometimes it's not as important when they're going to be part of something else. Everything you made sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI love watching little ones play with their food - you have to wonder what they are thinking when they do it :-)
ReplyDeleteThat meal sounds like a perfect casual meal. Now, I am craving hard boiled eggs and olives.