French Lentils With Garlic and Thyme

Authentic French French Lentils With Garlic and Thyme — a delicious miscellaneous dish with 9 ingredients. Follow our detailed step-by-step instructions for the perfect result.

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Updated March 14, 2026
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15

Prep Time (min)

30

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

300

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

French Lentils With Garlic and Thyme

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 Onion
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1 Carrots
  • 2 cups French Lentils
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme
  • 3 Bay Leaf
  • 1 tablespoon Salt
  • 2 sticks Celery

Instructions

4 steps · ~41 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    Place a large saucepan over medium heat and add oil. When hot, add chopped vegetables and sauté until softened, 5 to 10 minutes.

    8 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  2. Step 2

    Add 6 cups water, lentils, thyme, bay leaves and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a fast simmer.

    15 minutes
    Use a large pot to prevent boiling over. Add salt to the water for extra flavor.
  3. Step 3

    Simmer lentils until they are tender and have absorbed most of the water, 20 to 25 minutes. If necessary, drain any excess water after lentils have cooked. Serve immediately, or allow them to cool and reheat later.

    15 minutes
    Keep the heat low — gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil.
  4. Step 4

    For a fuller taste, use some chicken stock and reduce the water by the same amount.

    3 minutes

💡 Tips & Tricks

This French recipe for French Lentils With Garlic and Thyme is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of French cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your french meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Crusty baguette
🍽️Green salad with vinaigrette
🍽️Sautéed mushrooms

About This Dish

French Lentils With Garlic and Thyme is a beloved dish from French cuisine, originating in France. With a total preparation time of about 45 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

French cuisine is considered one of the world's finest culinary traditions. Known for its refinement and attention to detail, it has influenced cooking around the globe for centuries.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 9 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

For this dish, it is best to use French green lentils, also known as lentilles vertes du Puy, as they hold their shape well during cooking and have a rich, earthy flavor.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories300kcal
Total Fat14g
Sodium454mg
Total Carbohydrates33g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein36g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineFrench
CategoryDinner
CountryFrance