Beluga Lentil Caviar

Beluga Lentil Caviar Appetizer
Book: Chapter: Serves: 25

Inspired by a recipe posted on www.cityline.ca None of my vendors could supply "Caviar" or "Beluga" lentils. I did find Matpe Beans at an Indian grocery. I think that might be the correct name for this lentil bean. The finished product does remind you, visually, of caviar. Obviously, there is no strong taste or texture semblence.

1/2 cup beluga or caviar lentils (matpe beans)
1 shallot, finely diced
1 clove garlic finely minced
1 14 1/2-ounce can Swanson Chicken Broth
3 sprigs thyme
1 teaspoon dijon style mustard
1 long cucumber
4 hardboiled eggs
1/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon olive oil

In a small saucepan, using a diffuser, gently sweat the shallots and garlic in olive oil.
Add lentils. Stir a few times and add 8 ounces of the chicken broth, the sprigs of thyme, salt and Dijon mustard.
Simmer gently over low heat until the lentils are just cooked and tender to the bite. This may take an hour or two.
Stir every 15 minutes and check doneness. Add more broth as needed. (You may even have to add a little water)
Remove from heat and cool for 20 minutes. There should be only a little or no liquid remaining in the pan. Don't allow to dry out or burn.
Take the cucumber, remove the strips of peel and slice obout one quarter inch thick.
Slice the egg in an egg slicer.
Assemble appetizers by placing one slice of egg on top of each cucumbe slice. Place a half teaspoon of the lentils on top of the egg. Garnish with sour cream.

NUTRITION FACTS Amount per Serving Calories 169 Calories From Fat 22 % Daily Value* Total Fat 2g 4% Saturated Fat 1g 4% Cholesterol 24mg 8% Sodium 590mg 25% Total Carbohydrate 3g 1% Dietary Fiber 1g 3% Sugars 0g Protein 2g Vitamin A 1% Vitamin C 1% Calcium 1% Iron 2% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.