Lentils with Lovage

2 Shallots; chopped

Butter 12 oz Whole green lentils (Le Puy)

Handful of chopped lovage 1 Sprig of thyme

1 Curl of orange peel

Light stock or water Soften the chopped shallots in a little butter without colouring them. Stir in the lentils. Add a handful of chopped lovage, the sprig of thyme, orange peel and stock or unsalted water to cover well. Simmer until tender. Drain off and reduce the cooking liquor to make a little sauce, enriching it with more butter and seasoning to taste. In the absence of lovage, use the young leaves and tenderest parts of a celery heart, and season the dish with a pinch each of celery salt, lemon zest and powdered curry spices. Source: Philippa Davenport in "Country Living" (British), November 1988. Typed for you by Karen Mintzias