Lentils have 18 grams of protein per serving, making them the third highest level of protein than any other plant food. Garbanzo beans and wheat berries both have 12 grams of protein per serving.
Out of all the varieties that are grown for consumption, the French Green Lentils are considered the most flavorful, having a delicate peppery taste.
They originated in Puy, France, though today they are also grown in Canada (highest production) Italy and the United States.
The French variety lentil hold their shape well while only taking about 30 to 40 minutes to cook.
On New Year’s Eve in Italy people eat “lenticchie stufate” or in a soup. Why? This is an old symbol of good luck in the Italian tradition, because of their round shape, which resembles coins. They say the more you eat, the more wealth that comes to you.
Our featured recipe contains French Green Lentils, and here is what you well need to prepare your own Prosciutto Cotto and Lentils.

Real Whole Food Nutrition
2 medium stalks celery, diced
2 medium yellow carrots, diced
1 small sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 small red onion chopped
1/2 cup tomato paste
4 1/2 cups broth, your choice beef – chicken – vegetable
3/4 pound prosciutto cotto – about 2 slices 1/2 inch cut, cut into 1/2 inch x 1/2 inch squares
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons avocado oil
In a large soup pot over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic – sauté until fragrant.
Next add prepared onion – carrots and sweet potato and mix together.
Next add rinsed lentils and mix in. Then add tomato paste and stir being sure ever lentil is coated.
Add broth, place lid on pot and simmer 30 minutes or until lentils are cooked.
After 30 minutes there will be only about 1 cup or so of broth – drain and set aside – leave lentil mixture in soup pot.
In a warm pan with avocado oil add some prosciutto fat with prepare prosciutto cotto and sauté in oil until meat is warmed.
We used refined high heat (to 550 degrees) avocado oil, which has no flavor, therefore not contaminating or changing the smoked flavor of the prosciutto cotto.
Remove meat and mix with lentil mixture.
Spoon Prosciutto Cotto and Lentils to a platter and serve.
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