Mushrooms with Leeks, Lentils and Chestnuts

This is a development from my earlier dish of vegetables with lentils and chestnuts. Using a smaller selection of vegetables, and lots of red wine, gives it a more distinctive flavour. It is vegan apart from finings in the wine, and plausibly authentic for Dark Age England. I believe chestnuts were introducted to England by the Romans, and a rich Anglo-Saxon might well have wine in the household.

Serves 4 people.

Ingredients

Method

Sautee the onions for a few minutes. Add garlic, then mushrooms. Cook for another 5-10 minutes.

Add leeks, lentils, wine, and the seasonings EXCEPT for the parsley. Stir and simmer, covered, for 20-30 mins.

Add the chestnuts and cook for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to mix the lentils into the stock. If necessary, add a little water to keep it moist, and cook until the lentils are done. They should be tender, but still firm and retain their shape.

Stir in the parsley and cook another 2-3 minutes.

Shelagh Lewins

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