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Vietnamese · Side

Pan-Seared Lentil with caramel and pepper

This Vietnamese Medley leans on caramel and pepper to do the heavy lifting. We sear the Lentil for real depth, then bring it together in one pan.

4.4 from 3,869 cooks
Prep25 min
Cook20 min
Serves6
LevelEasy
Free to cook
Pan-Seared Lentil with caramel and pepper
Method

How to cook it

Prep everything first: chop the aromatics, measure the caramel and pepper elements, and pat the lentil dry so it colours well.

Warm the olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat and soften the onion and garlic until sweet and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the dried lentils and sear until it takes on colour and the edges catch, 4 to 6 minutes.

Stir in the lemongrass and the rest of the caramel and pepper flavours, letting them cook out for a minute until fragrant.

Add the red onion along with a splash of stock or water, then cook briskly until everything is tender and the sauce clings.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper and a little acid. It should taste bright, savoury and balanced.

Finish with the chopped thai basil and serve while hot.

Tested in the Stewart & Musell kitchen. Timings assume a standard home oven and hob.

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