Bistro Lentils and Ham
Copyright by Terese Allen
It’s remarkable how a modest amount of smoked meat can make plain-Jane legumes so unctuous. Whether New England baked beans with bacon, Cuban black beans with sausage or these lentils with ham, it’s a time-honored way to make a little go a long, delicious way.
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
1 pound green or brown lentils, rinsed (do not presoak them)
1 cup white wine
1 medium carrot, peeled and cut in half
1 medium onion, peeled and cut in half
1/4 small celeriac, peeled and cut in half (optional)
1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
3 bay leaves
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
several grindings black pepper
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
salt and pepper
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
8-12 ounces Organic Prairie Hardwood Smoked Sliced Ham, at room temperature
3-4 tablespoons coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup finely diced sweet red onion
Instructions:
1. Place lentils, wine, carrot pieces, onion halves, celeriac (if using) and bay leaves in a large, heavy saucepan or Dutch oven. Add enough water to cover lentils by about an inch. Bring to gentle simmer over medium-high flame. Skim froth from the surface, then stir in garlic, rosemary and pepper. Reduce heat to maintain a steady, low simmer and cook the lentils, uncovered, until they are barely tender, 35-50 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, whisk vinegar, mustard and a little salt and pepper in a large, attractive bowl. Gradually whisk in the olive oil until mixture is smooth.
3. When lentils are tender, remove the carrot, onion and celeriac pieces. Drain off excess liquid, then place lentils back over a low flame for a moment or two to dry off more.
4. Chop the ham into bite-size pieces. Add lentils and ham to the dressing in the bowl; add salt and pepper to taste and toss gently. Let stand, stirring occasionally, until lentils have absorbed the dressing, 10-15 minutes.
5. Stir in parsley and red onions. Serve warm.
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