Lentils make for a filling and superhealthy side dish. Give yours a kick with chilli and citrus zing
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stick, finely chopped
- 2 red chillies, deseeded, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 450g dried Puy lentils, rinsed
- 1.2l hot ham cooking liquor (see 'Goes well with'), plus extra if needed
- juice 6 tangerines, plus zest of 3
- 2 tbsp crème fraîche
- 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Method
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Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan. Add the carrot, onion, celery, chillies and garlic, and cook for 5-10 mins until the veg begin to soften. Add the rinsed lentils. Pour on the hot cooking liquor and two-thirds of the tangerine juice, then bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 mins or until the lentils are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Add a bit more ham liquor if the lentils look a little dry.
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Remove from the heat and stir in the tangerine zest and remaining juice. Season with salt and pepper and allow to cool a little before stirring through the crème fraîche and parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature with the sliced ham.