French Lentils, Simple Prep

(from Epicurious / Gourmet)

Ingredients

1 cup dried lentils (preferably French green lentils* often called lentilles du Puy); 7 ounces)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup finely chopped onion (1 large)
2 large garlic cloves, chopped
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil plus additional (optional) for drizzling

Method

Cover lentils with cold water by 1 1/2 inches in a 2-quart saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer, uncovered, until lentils are just tender, 12 to 25 minutes. Drain in a sieve set over a bowl and reserve 1/2 cup cooking liquid.

While lentils are simmering, melt butter in a 2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderately low heat, then stir in onion, garlic, and salt and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until pale golden, about 10 minutes. Remove lid and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until golden, 5 to 10 minutes more.

Stir in lentils and enough reserved cooking liquid to moisten (1/4 to 1/2 cup) and cook until heated through.

Just before serving, stir in parsley, lemon juice, pepper, and 1 tablespoon oil.