This isn't so much a recipe as a tip: Puy Lentils cooked in Perry (pear cider) are very good.
Ensure that you use real pear cider (perry) rather than apple cider with flavourings. It does work with apple cider but doesn't taste as good. When we talk about cider in the UK we always refer to what in the US is hard cider (alcoholic), as opposed to juice.
Ingredients for 2 people:
- 125g Puy Lentils
- 500ml Perry
- 125ml Soya Cream
- 200g Firm Smoked Tofu
- 1 Red Onion
- 2 Cloves Garlic
- Handful Mushrooms (optional)
- Sunflower Oil
Rinse lentils and check for grit/stones. Place in a pan, cover with perry and simmer until tender (20-30 mins). If it starts to dry out add water. Skim off any residue that collects on the surface whilst cooking. When done do not drain; instead add the cream, mix and heat through.
Whilst the lentils cook heat some oil in a pan and add the onion (diced), garlic (minced), mushrooms (chopped, if using) and tofu (sliced). We use Taifun Smoked with Almonds and Sesame Seeds, but any firm, drained smoked tofu should work. Fry for a few minutes until done.
When both are complete combine and serve immediately.
Hee, this is a personal gripe of mine. Surely there is no such thing as pear cider? Isn't it either cider for apples of perry for pears? Or am I wrong? Either way, looks good!