Name: French Lentils Braised in Red Wine and Caramelized Onions
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 Servings
Cuisine: American

Balancing Bowls Verified

January 29, 2026

Red wine braised Lentils are hearty and rich, The perfect dish for a cold winter's evening. This vegan lentil dish is so delicious that you will be craving it topped with caramelized onions and cherry tomatoes. Cooking the lentils, red wine, and caramelized onions makes the house smell cozy during these long, cold, and dark winter days. Despite the rich and hearty nature of this dish, this dish is packed with good for you nutrients. Packed with vegetables and lentils, this vegan dish is flavorful and filling enough to satisfy your carnivorous friends.

French Lentils Braised in Red Wine and Caramelized Onions

French Lentils Braised in Red Wine and Caramelized Onions cover

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French Lentils Braised in Red Wine and Caramelized Onions

Balancing Bowls Verified

Ingredients

WarningWheat and 2 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Start by chopping your 1 onion chopped, carrot, and celery. And a medium-sized saucepan, heat some olive oil and add the vegetables to sauté for 10 minutes on medium-low heat.

Add the garlic, sage, and tomato paste. String continually mix and continue to sauté for another two minutes.

Add red wine, water, Dijon mustard, bay leaves and French lentils. Stir the lentils and bring them to a boil.

Reduce the heat to medium-low, a gentle simmer, and cook for 45 minutes or until the lentils are tender.

Meanwhile, slice the remaining onion. Add olive oil to a frying pan and caramelized onions on medium-low heat for 20 to 25 minutes.

Once the onions are fully caramelized, remove them from the frying pan and set them aside. Next, you are going to blister the cherry tomatoes.

Add more olive oil to the pan and turn the heat to medium-high heat. Once the oil heats up, cook for 2 to 4 minutes or until soft and blistered.

Once the lentils are tender, remove them from the heat and add the lemon juice , salt, pepper and 2 cups of hearty greens.

Before serving the French Lentils, top them with caramelized onions and blistered tomatoes.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Caramelization Magic 🧅
Take your time caramelizing onions - low and slow over 30-40 minutes develops deep, rich flavor that transforms the entire dish.
Wine Selection Wisdom 🍷
Choose a dry, medium-bodied red wine like Côtes du Rhône or Grenache that complements the earthy lentils without overwhelming them.
Lentil Liquid Ratio 💧
Always use a 3:1 liquid to lentil ratio and avoid stirring too much to maintain the lentils' delicate texture during braising.
Aromatics Layering Technique 🥬
Sauté your celery, carrots, and garlic in stages, allowing each to develop deep flavor before adding the next ingredient.
Fresh Herb Finishing Flourish 🌿
Chop fresh sage finely and sprinkle just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish that cuts through the dish's richness.

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About the Cook

Balancing Bowls

I'm Nora! Balancing Bowls is the product of a slightly chaotic life, a need to make and grow things, and a love of creative cooking. If you're here because you're trying to feed your family well without losing your mind, you're in the right place.