I have made a lot of sourdough crackers lately. Since I first tried to make crackers from my discarded sourdough starter I have been hooked.
But this weekend it was time for a change. There have to be more things you can do with the discard I said to myself, and there is.

Most of you know that you can use the discard for pancakes, waffles, muffins, and much more.
But perhaps not so many of you have tried to make puff pastry, and I think I know why.
Making real puff pastry is a bit tedious and requires time, and not all of us wants to spend that much time on some discarded starter.
But perhaps it’s possible to make a quick version. At least that was what I tried to find out.

Mushrooms are more related to humans than to plants, at least if we are to believe FOOD&WINE.
Does that make you feel a bit uncomfortable? According to the article, their genetics are more similar to ours than any other veggies in the produce section. Think about that next time you enjoy a butter fried Cremini.

Doesn’t it bother you?
No, of course not.

If you think that is needless knowledge, I won’t argue. And if you get the feeling that I’m trying to imply that there are similarities between people and mushrooms, just don’t listen. I feel a bit delirious at the moment. Perhaps it was not so wise to eat those colorful mushrooms I found behind the pine trees.
Besides, You must love mushrooms If you are going to test this mushroom and lentil salad. And croutons. Crisp and golden croutons with a hint of thyme, fried in olive oil, that you make from those pieces of stale sourdough bread I’m sure you will find in the bread box.

LETS START

I prefer to boil lentils in water with just some salt. I’m not that fond of adding a stock to the water as I think green lentils already has enough taste. And I want them to taste lentils, not stock.

While you’re waiting for the lentils to boil, it’s time to prepare the croutons. Cut the bread into squares or just rip it into pieces. Fry them in olive oil over medium heat until crispy and golden. Add a pinch of thyme the last minute. You can create miracles with a piece of stale sourdough bread, so stop feeding the birds with it and make croutons instead. I’m not sure bread is an appropriate food for birds anyhow.