Which lentil type maintains structure the best for composed cold salads?
Answer
French Puy or Black Beluga
The different varieties of lentils exhibit distinct cooking behaviors which dictates their best culinary application. For dishes where maintaining a firm, intact shape is important, such as in cold or composed salads where texture contrast is desired, the French Puy or Black Beluga varieties are the preferred choice. These types are noted for their superior ability to hold their structure even after cooking is complete, unlike red lentils which completely break down. Black Beluga lentils are specifically mentioned as having the firmest texture, often likened to caviar, making them ideal when individual legume integrity must be preserved in the final dish.
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