Simmered with carrots, turnips and thyme, the lentils make a lovely, hearty bed for the salmon fillets, which are gently cooked on top of them for easy one-dish preparation. Green (Le Puy) lentils are smaller and more delicate than other varieties and hold their shape better during cooking.

Makes 4 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 15 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 1 hour

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon finely chopped shallots
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
1 small onion, peeled and studded with a clove
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
2 small white turnips, peeled and finely chopped
1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 4 portions
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 lemon, quartered

1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven or deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic and cook, stirring, until softened, about 30 seconds. Add broth, lentils, onion, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until the lentils are tender, 25 minutes.
2. Add carrots and turnips; simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes more. Remove the onion. Add more broth if necessary; the mixture should be slightly soupy. Taste and adjust seasonings. Lay salmon fillets on top, cover the pan and cook until the salmon is opaque in the center, 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Serve in shallow bowls, garnished with parsley and lemon wedges.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 382 calories; 11 g fat (2 g sat, 4 g mono); 65 mg cholesterol; 35 g carbohydrate; 36 g protein; 9 g fiber; 332 mg sodium.; 1142 mg potassium.

Nutrition bonus: Vitamin A (80% daily value), Potassium (56% dv), Fiber (36% dv), Vitamin C(20% dv), Iron (20% dv).

2 Carbohydrate Servings

Love this recipe. It is easy to make, tastes great and looks elegant.

, Toronto, On

This had plusses and minuses. It was quick and easy to prepare and the lentil mixture was well-seasoned with the shallot and garlic. The salmon could use a little something else- I salted and peppered it before steaming, but I think more seasoning plus some parsley or ? Would have given it more flavor as well.

Ellen, Oakton, VA