French Lentils - Beans

French lentils are a variety of green lentils. What sets them apart from standard green lentils is their slightly darker hue and smaller size — they’re about one-third the size of standard green lentils. They are special because they take less time to cook and hold their shape extremely well — better than pretty much any other type of lentils — so they are the ideal contender for salads as well as light soups when you’d rather the lentils in the pot not turn to mush. Their flavor is also slightly different than other types; it’s a bit nutty and peppery, with a slight mineral-like, earthy flavor. Lentilles du Puy are French Lentils grown in the Puy region of France.

In 1/4 cup of dry French lentils, you'll get 110 calories, no fat, 18 grams of carbs, 4 grams of fiber, 9 grams of protein, and 2 grams of natural sugar. The same amount of red lentils provides 170 calories, 1 gram of fat, 28 grams of carbs, 7 grams of fiber, 13 grams of protein, and 1 gram of natural sugar.

Aside from their slight differences in calorie, carb, and protein values, red and French lentils have very similar health benefits. Both are protein-rich, plant-based foods, which give them a unique set of positive nutritional properties. According to ChooseMyPlate.gov, for example, low-fat proteins such as lentils are essential for growing, building, repairing, and maintaining tissues in blood, skin, bone, and muscle cells.

Ingredients:French Lentils