Braised Lentils With Saffron

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups lentils
• 1 large onion
• olive oil
• 3/4 ounce raw ham, cut into slivers
• 1 pinch saffron strand
• 1 pinch powdered saffron
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• hot chicken stock (can be made with bullion)
• salt

Directions

1. 1

   Soak lentils for about 6 hours.

2. 2

   Peel and halve the onion and place into a saucepan with 3 tablespoons oil and the ham.

3. 3

   Drain the lentils and add them to the saucepan, brown breifly, then moisten with the wine.

4. 4

   Add the saffron strands and powdered saffron.

5. 5

   When the wine has evaporated, pour just enough hot stock to cover the lentils.

6. 6

   bring to a boil, lower the heat and cover and cook for 20 minutes.

7. 7

   Taste and add salt if necessary, then discard the onion and serve hot.