French Green Lentils Stew with Salted Pork

Enjoy your hearty and flavorful lentil stew with salted pork!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup French green lentils
• 200g salted pork or bacon, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the French green lentils under cold water and set them aside.
2. In a large pot, cook the diced salted pork over medium heat until it releases its fat and becomes slightly crispy.
3. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
4. Add minced garlic, bay leaf, and dried thyme. Cook for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the rinsed lentils. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
8. Adjust seasoning if necessary and remove the bay leaf.
9. Serve the French Green Lentils Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.