Ep 7. The French Chef: How About Lentils

In season 7, episode 7 of The French Chef with Julia Child, Julia takes on the task of presenting lentils in a variety of dishes. Lentils have been a staple of French cooking for centuries, but in America, they are often overlooked or underutilized. Julia seeks to introduce her audience to the many ways in which lentils can be prepared and enjoyed.

Julia begins the episode by explaining the different types of lentils and how to choose the best ones for each dish. She then demonstrates how to cook lentils properly, starting with a basic recipe for lentil soup. She emphasizes the importance of seasoning and adding other ingredients, such as vegetables and herbs, to enhance the flavor of the lentils.

Next, Julia prepares a lentil salad that can be served as a side dish or a light meal. She combines cooked lentils with diced vegetables and a simple vinaigrette dressing, creating a colorful and nutritious dish. Julia offers various tips for customizing the salad, such as adding different herbs or substituting different vegetables.

Julia then moves on to a more complex dish, lentils with sausage and vegetables. She begins by sautéing sliced sausage in a large skillet, then adds diced vegetables and cooked lentils. She explains how to create a flavorful sauce using wine, chicken broth, and tomato paste, and how to finish the dish with a sprinkling of fresh parsley. The dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cold winter evening.

Finally, Julia tackles the challenge of making a lentil pâté. She starts by pureeing cooked lentils in a food processor and adding cream cheese, butter, and other flavorings. She then molds the mixture into a terrine and bakes it in the oven. The resulting pâté is rich and flavorful, with a smooth and creamy texture. Julia recommends serving it with crackers or crusty bread.

Throughout the episode, Julia emphasizes the nutritional benefits of lentils, which are high in protein and fiber and low in fat. She also emphasizes the versatility of lentils, which can be prepared in a variety of ways and used in a variety of dishes.

As always, Julia's demonstrations are informative, engaging, and full of humor. She encourages her viewers to experiment with lentils and to have fun in the kitchen. The episode is a delightful introduction to the world of lentils and a reminder of Julia's enduring legacy as one of America's most beloved chefs.