Lentilles du Puy with Poached Egg and Mustard Dressing

Lentilles du Puy make a particularly satisfying French-style lentil bowl because the small, dark green lentils stay intact and have a naturally peppery, earthy flavour. Here they are served warm rather than chilled, so the mustard, red wine vinegar, olive oil and shallot soak into the lentils without turning them heavy. A soft poached egg turns the dish into a complete lunch: the runny yolk acts almost like a second dressing, coating the lentils and mellowing the sharp Dijon vinaigrette. Fresh parsley and black pepper keep the finish clean and savoury.
Cuisine style French home cooking
Cooking style Meal prep friendly • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Defined texture: Puy lentils stay firm and distinct when gently simmered, giving the dish structure rather than a soft, stew-like finish.
  • Sharp, savoury dressing: Dijon mustard and red wine vinegar cut through the richness of the egg yolk and make the lentils taste brighter.
  • Useful for prep: The dressed lentils keep well in the fridge, while the poached egg can be cooked fresh just before serving.

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Ingredient notes

  • Use Puy lentils if possible: Their small size and firm skins help them hold their shape, which is important for a dressed lentil dish rather than a purée or soup.
  • Adjust the sharpness: Add a little more vinegar if you prefer a brighter dressing, especially if serving the lentils warm rather than hot.

Timing notes

  • Dress while warm: Tossing the drained lentils with the dressing while they are still warm helps them absorb the mustard, vinegar and olive oil more fully.
  • Poach eggs to order: The lentils can wait briefly, but the eggs are best poached just before serving so the whites stay tender and the yolks remain runny.

Make-ahead tips

  • Make the lentils ahead: Cook and dress the lentils in advance, then refrigerate in an airtight container and warm gently before serving.
  • Reheat gently: Warm the lentils in a saucepan with a small splash of water to loosen the dressing without drying them out.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Rinse the lentils in a sieve, then tip into a saucepan with the bay leaves and cover with plenty of cold water. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 18 to 22 minutes until the lentils are just tender but still holding their shape. Drain well and discard the bay leaves.
  2. While the lentils cook, finely chop the shallot and parsley. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and black pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust with a little more vinegar if you like it sharper.
  3. Return the warm, drained lentils to the saucepan (off the heat) and toss with the shallot and most of the dressing. Let them sit for 2 minutes so they absorb the flavours, then divide between two bowls. Spoon over any remaining dressing.
  4. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a gentle simmer. Crack each egg into a small cup, then slide into the water and poach for 3 to 4 minutes until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny. Lift out with a slotted spoon, drain briefly, then place one egg on each bowl of lentils and finish with the parsley.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the best texture, keep the lentils at a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil so they cook evenly without splitting.
  • If you want the dish warmer for serving, keep the drained lentils in the saucepan with a lid on while you poach the eggs.
  • If you are pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, use eggs that are suitable for eating runny or poach until the yolks are fully set.

Substitutions

  • Replace red wine vinegar with white wine vinegar for a slightly lighter, cleaner acidity.
  • Replace shallot with red onion for a stronger, more pungent bite.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Store the dressed lentils in an airtight container in the fridge. Poach eggs fresh to serve; to reheat lentils, warm gently in a saucepan with a small splash of water until hot.

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Lentilles du Puy with Poached Egg and Mustard Dressing
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 40min (25min active)
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: French
  • Allergens:
    Eggs Mustard

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