Instructions: The best lentils sold as lentilles du Puy are small and coloured from green brown to blue. They are now grown in Italy as well as in France where they are known as Castelluccio lentils. They should be available in healthfood shops delicatessens and some good supermarkets. We use them simply dressed with olive oil as an accompaniment to grilled sea bass or mullet: occasionally we add chopped fresh herbs. Boiled lentils form part of the famous Bollito Misto served at New Year and each part of the dish has a symbolic reference to the year to come: the lentils bring wealth the meats good health and the mostarda di Cremona lively spirits.

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