Ham + Lentils = great comfort food!

This recipe is based on the traditional French "petit salé aux lentilles". However, I changed the ingredients to make it easier and also a bit cheaper: I used red lentils and ham steak. It's a great unique dish, ideal for winter days.

Serves 2
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Difficulty: *

Ingredients:

- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ham steak, cut into small cubes

- 1 cup red lentils

- 2 cups water + 1 chicken or vegetable broth cube (Knorr) OR 2 cups liquid broth

- 1 small onion, chopped

- fresh parsley, chopped
- pepper

Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the chopped onion and the cubed ham. Cook until caramelized.

Rinse the lentils and add them to the saucepan. Stir in the lentils and mix.

Add the water + broth cube or the liquid broth.

Bring to the boil then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let cook for about 25 minutes. Check and mix the preparation from time to time. If the liquid is absorbed too quickly, add some. Add pepper.

This dish will be already salted because of the ham and the broth. I would recommend to check the seasoning and to add salt only if necessary.

Remove from the heat, top with the chopped parsley and let stand for 5 minutes. Serve.