Lentils

Lentils are small, lens-shaped legumes. They have a shorter cooking time than kidney beans, even when whole, and do not need soaking. If desired, however, they may be soaked, resulting in an even shorter cooking time.

The most prized lentils are the tiny green lentils, commonly known as Le Puy lentils because the best ones are grown in Le Puy, France. (Note: Only lentils actually grown in Le Puy should be given this name. If grown elsewhere, they are simply called green lentils.) They have a dark green or gray-green hull and, unlike other lentils, keep their shape fairly well when cooked.