Equipment
Ingredients
Lentil Base
- 470 g lentils
- 960 ml water
- 5 g salt, to taste
- 2 cloves
- 100 g onion, whole, peeled
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 g marjoram, chopped
Tomato and Leek Mixture
- 15 ml olive oil
- 1 leek, finely chopped
- 90 g onion, finely chopped
- 2 g garlic, finely chopped
- 240 ml tomato, crushed
- 1 g black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- 6 g parsley, chopped
Nutrition (per serving)
Method
Rinse the lentils thoroughly in a colander under cold water to remove any debris.
Press the whole cloves into the surface of the small whole onion.
Combine the lentils, water, salt, clove-studded onion, bay leaf, and marjoram in a saucepan. Bring the liquid to a boil at 100°C/212°F.
Cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes.
In a separate small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped leek, chopped onions, and garlic.
Sauté the vegetables for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not allow them to brown.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
Drain the cooked lentils through a colander, discarding the bay leaf and the clove-studded onion.
Add the drained lentils to the tomato and leek mixture. Bring the combined mixture to a boil briefly.
Stir in the chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Chef's Notes
- For a deeper flavor, consider toasting the whole cloves and bay leaf briefly in a dry pan before adding them to the lentils.
- Ensure the leeks are very well washed to remove any grit, as they can hide sand between their layers.
- Don't overcook the lentils; they should be tender but retain a slight bite for the best texture.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end, as the crushed tomatoes can vary in their own saltiness.
- This dish can be enhanced with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.
Storage
Refrigerator: 4 days — Store in an airtight container.
Freezer: 3 months — Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the mixture has thickened too much.
