Warm French Lentils

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green or French lentils
• 3 cups water
• 4 bacon rashes chopped (optional)
• 4 cloves garlic chopped
• 2 rosemary sprigs leaves removed and chopped
• 2 TBsps capers chopped
• 1/2 cup parsley chopped
• 2 chicken stock cubes
• 2 TBsp olive oil
• salt and pepper taste

• 3 TBsp olive oil
• 1 TBsp grainy mustard
• 1/2 TBsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 teasp dried sage

Instructions:

1. Soak lentils in the water with a little salt for 6-8 hours. You can soak them over night if desired.
2. Once lentils are soaked, crush the stock cubes with your fingers and add to the lentils and stir well.
3. Place on heat and cook for 20-25 minutes.
4. Stir occasionally.
5. Add extra water if it becomes dry.
6. Make the dressing and set aside.
7. Also while the lentils are cooking, cook the bacon.
8. Heat olive oil in a seperate fry pan and cook bacon, until crispy and brown.
9. Add garlic to the bacon and cook for a further 3-5 minutes.
10. Add rosemary to the bacon fry pan and cook for a further minute or two.
11. Turn off heat and let bacon sit until the lentils are done.
12. Once the lentils are cooked, drain and return them to the pot.
13. Turn off heat to the lentils and stir thoroughly with capers and dressing.
14. Add parsley and salt and pepper to taste and stir well.
15. Serve into bowls and sprinkle over bacon mixture if not vegetarian.
16. Serve with crusty bread or as a side.

1. Mix in jar and pour over cooked lentils.