Discover the Perfect Summer Salad: du Puy Lentils with Grilled Shrimp
Looking for something fresh and healthy to enjoy on those warm summer days? Look no further! This rediscovered recipe for a du Puy lentil salad with roasted shrimp and a garlic-parsley dressing is exactly what you need. The combination of hearty lentils, juicy shrimp and tangy dressing is a true flavour explosion. Great as a light lunch or a side at a summer barbecue. Treat yourself and your taste buds to a delicious surprise and make every meal a celebration!

The History of Lentils
Lentils are one of the oldest crops that have ever been cultivated. They were grown over ten thousand years ago and were a key part of the diet in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. Lentils were valued for their high nutritional value and long shelf life, which allowed them to be stored and consumed year-round.
Du Puy lentils, in particular, have been grown for over two thousand years in the region of Le Puy-en-Velay in Auvergne. Archaeological findings suggest that these lentils were already cultivated during the Gallo-Roman period.
What Makes Du Puy Lentils So Special?
Du Puy lentils, also called green lentils from du Puy, have several unique properties that set them apart from other types of lentils.
Firm texture
Du Puy lentils have a firm texture and keep their shape well when you cook them. They don't turn mushy like other lentils do, which makes them perfect for salads, soups and stews.
Nutty flavour
Du Puy lentils are grown in volcanic soils, which give them a fuller flavour than other lentils. They've got a bit of a peppery, earthy taste, with a kind of nutty undercurrent.
Origin and AOP label
Du Puy lentils are so unique that they have a protected name. Since 2008, they also have an AOP label. This means that only lentils actually grown in Le Puy-en-Velay can be called du Puy lentils. This status means the quality and authenticity of the lentils are guaranteed.
Ready in no time!
Unlike most other types of lentils, you don't need to soak du Puy lentils beforehand. They're also quick to cook, usually taking 20-25 minutes.
Great for your health!
Du Puy lentils are full of plant proteins, fibre and minerals. So they're a great way to get essential nutrients if you're a vegetarian or vegan.

Which Flavors Pair Well with Du Puy Lentils?
Du Puy lentils are great because they go well with all sorts of other ingredients. Apart from veg like carrots, celery, onions and garlic, and meats like bacon, ham and sausage, it's the herbs that make lentils taste how they do.
- Deep Aroma: For a deeply aromatic flavour, add bay leaves, rosemary, or cumin.
- - Spicy Flavour: Thyme and oregano are the perfect ingredients for a spicy, flavourful taste.
- Freshness: Brighten up du Puy lentils with the fresh taste of parsley, coriander, and dill.
You can use herbs either on their own or together to create your own unique flavour profile for the du Puy lentils.
Recipe: Du Puy Lentil Salad with Grilled Shrimp

Ingredients for 4 people:
- 200 g du Puy lentils
- 1 shallot
- ½ red onion
- 1 bunch of rocket
- ½ cucumber
- ¼ fennel
- 1 tomato
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 sprigs of thyme
- 16 large raw prawns
- Extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- Salt and pepper
For the garlic and parsley dressing:
- 1 bunch of parsley
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 125 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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Step 1: Cook du Puy lentils
Rinse the lentils well under cold water. Chop the shallot. Place the lentils in a pan with plenty of water and add the shallot, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil and let simmer for about 25 minutes until the lentils are cooked but still have a bit of bite. Drain, remove thyme and bay leaf, and let cool to room temperature.
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Step 2: Make garlic-parsley dressing
Add all ingredients to a blender and blitz until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
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Step 3: Prepare vegetables
Finely chop the red onion and dice the cucumber, fennel, and tomato into brunoise. Coarsely chop the arugula. Mix the tomatoes with a tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
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Step 4: Prepare shrimp
Peel the shrimp and remove the vein. Mix with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and curry powder.
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Step 5: Finish lentil salad
Mix the cooked du Puy lentils with a few tablespoons of garlic-parsley dressing. Add the red onion, arugula, cucumber, and fennel. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper.
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Step 6: Grill shrimp
Heat a grill pan and cook the shrimp on both sides.
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Step 7: Serve
Spoon a few tablespoons of du Puy lentil salad onto each plate. Top with a spoonful of diced tomato and 4 shrimp per person. Serve with the remaining dressing on the side.