donderdag 8 april 2010

Alphabe Thursday

Today it's  the L for LENTILLES, the French word for lentils.
The region where i live is also called the BERRY. Today I'll talk about the green lentils from the Berry. Of course there are also the famous lentils from le Puy, but here we are proud of our lentils. They even have a  'label rouge' qualification.

A group of 40 lentils growers in the Berry area produce these green lentils. Grown in the local Berry soil, they have a mild flavor with a hint of chestnut taste. 
Each year the second weekend of september there is the 'fête de la lentille' in Vatan, a small town in the Berry. There even will be chosen a Miss Lentille.


In front of  the townhall in Vatan.

The beautiful old market hall in Vatan.

Green lentils from the Berry have important nutritional value. Rich in fiber and vitamins B, the lentils are also an excellent source of minerals, especially calcium and iron;
Green lentils may be prepared in a variety of ways. 

I'll give you a salad recipe.



  • 1 cup dried lentils (preferably small French lentils)
  • 1 large garlic clove, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 3/4 lb tomatoes, diced (2 cups)
  • 4 large scallions, thinly sliced (3/4 cup)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
  • 3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar, or to taste
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

preparation

Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a 2-quart heavy saucepan with lentils, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until lentils are just tender, 15 to 25 minutes. Drain in a large sieve, then transfer to a large bowl.
Toss hot lentils with tomatoes, scallions, dill, basil, vinegar, oil, pepper, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste. ( 4 to 6 persons)




22 opmerkingen:

  1. Mega YUMMMM! They're as delicious as they are good for you!!!!

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  2. Oh! What a lovely post! I love seeing your market stall area especially since I sell my work in a market atmosphere as well. I also love the way the lentilles are packaged. It looks like a soft cloth bag. So very French..I love it. I am homesick for France seeing your pictures. I will come to see your village one day.

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  3. A lovely post Baujke - I'll be looking out for Berry lentilles next time I visit my sister in France!

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  4. What a quaint looking town. I love how the lentils are packaged. Great post.

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  5. Lentil soup is a favorite here at HFTS. Love seeing your beautiful photos and thanks for the recipe.

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  6. Oh, your post makes me want to fly to France and eat lentils. Maybe I will just make your recipe instead!

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  7. Yum! I'll have to try that salad! I love lentil soup!

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  8. That looks wonderful. I would love to have a bite right now! Thank for sharing the recipe!

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  9. oh my goodness! I'm packing my bags as we speak. I'm moving in with YOU! What a delightful post! I hopped over from Alphabe-Thursday and am so happy that I did! I am the new kid in class, and learning my way around. Please accept my invitation to drop in at my place one day this week when you get a moment. I have become a follower and hope you'll do the same. until later...

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  10. the recipe sounds yummy ... and the pictures are wonderful ... I don't think i have ever tried a french lentil but i will keep my eye out for them.

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  11. Oh, what a lovely post.

    What does Label Rouge mean? I read it again thinking I had missed that explanation.

    I love lentils...have been using red ones lately and I like the flavor and creaminess of them.

    I will try and find these chestnut flavored ones at a specialty store here.

    I would very much like to try your delicious looking recipe!

    Thanks for making Alphabe-Thursday's journey through the letter "L" so delicious and beautiful this week!

    A+

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  12. Thank you for sharing this yummy recipe, I would love that for lunch! Lentils are a favorite of mine, and I am learning there many varities, and they are so good for you!

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  13. I love Lentils but didn't know there were so many kinds. Thanks for the great info!

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  14. I loved the pictures of your town and the information about lentils.

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  15. i love lentils and will definitely make this salad. Puy lentils are generally easier to find, but i am going to scour the gourmet markets for Berry lentils. Thanks for the recipe and great photos of your town.

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  16. Thanks again for sharing where you live. What a neat place. I really like lentils too (I usually have mine as Dal). The salad looks extremely delicious.

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  17. I love your post and your recipe for lentil salad looks yummy! Joni

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  18. I love the pictures of your town, so festive! And the salad sounds delicious, we love lentils and this sounds like a great summer salad. Kathy

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  19. I love lentils, but never, ever thought about where they came from. Very interesting post!

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  20. I have never heard of Berry lentils, I will look for them...Have to try them now!

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