Balsamic Feta Mint Puy Lentils Recipes

LENTIL SALAD

Steps:

• Combine the lentils in a saucepan with 3 cups of water (or veggie broth) and stir to combine. Cook over medium-high heat until the broth reaches a simmer. Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and maintain the simmer until the lentils are tender, about 20-25 minutes depending on the type of lentils used. Use a strainer to drain and rinse the lentils in cold water for 1 minute until they are chilled, and set aside.
• Meanwhile, as the lentils are cooking, combine all of the lemon dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together until combined.
• Add the cooked and chilled lentils, cucumber, red onion, mint and sun-dried tomatoes to a large bowl. Drizzle evenly with the lemon dressing and toss until evenly combined.
• Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days.

BALSAMIC FETA & MINT PUY LENTILS

Steps:

• Whisk 1 tbsp of the olive oil with 1 tbsp of the balsamic vinegar and half the chopped mint. Stir in the feta, then set aside.
• Put the kettle on to boil. Tip the peas into a large heatproof bowl, pour over enough boiling water to defrost them, then drain and return to the bowl. Put the lentils in a fine mesh sieve, pour over some boiling water to warm them, then drain and tip into the bowl with the peas.
• Add the radishes and toss together with the remaining oil, vinegar and mint. Divide between bowls and top with the marinated feta. Grind over some black pepper, if you like.

WATERMELON, FETA AND MINT SALAD WITH BALSAMIC VINAGRETTE

Steps:

• Cut watermelon in half and remove watermelon from rind; the easiest way to do this is with a melon baller. Place melon balls into a large mixing bowl. Save the rind to use as the salad bowls for a pretty presentation, scraping out to the same depth all over and cutting a small slice from the bottoms of the outside rinds so that each half will sit evenly on a table.
• Crumble feta cheese over the watermelon, chiffonade the mint (roll leaves into a cigar and slice thinly across the 'cigar' to get ribbons of mint) and sprinkle over watermelon. Grind pepper to taste over all.
• To make the dressing, blend or shake the olive oil and vinegar in a jar until emulsified. Pour over watermelon and toss gently. Chill for 30 minutes, spoon carefully into reserved watermelon rind 'bowls' and serve.

PUY LENTIL, SPICED ROAST CARROT & FETA SALAD

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. In a shallow roasting tin, toss together half the oil, the cumin, carrots and some seasoning. Roast for 25 mins, turning halfway through cooking. Drizzle over the honey, stir and roast for 5 mins more.
• Meanwhile, gently heat the lentils with the onion, lemon juice, remaining oil and some salt and pepper. Allow to cool slightly while the carrots finish cooking.
• Toss the dressed lentils with mint and lamb's lettuce. Lay warm spiced carrots on top and scatter with feta.

WARM LENTIL SALAD WITH BALSAMIC ROAST SQUASH

Steps:

• Combine the lentils, ginger, turmeric, onion, water, and salt to taste in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook at a moderate bubble until the lentils have softened and produced a flavorful broth, about 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the heat. Remove the onion and discard. Place a strainer over a bowl and drain the lentils.
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil. If using cut up squash, place in a bowl or directly on the baking sheet and toss with salt to taste, the balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Spread on the baking sheet in an even layer and make sure to tip all of the liquid remaining in the bowl over the squash. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes so that the squash browns evenly. The squash should be tender all the way through. Remove from the heat. If using acorn squash, spoon a tablespoon of the balsamic vinegar into both cavities, season with salt, brush with olive oil, and place cut side up on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake 40 to 50 minutes, basting every 10 minutes, until thoroughly tender. Remove from the heat and when cool enough to handle remove the skin and cut the squash into dice.
• In a small bowl or measuring cup whisk together the vinegars, mustard, salt and pepper, olive oil, and walnut oil. Toss with the lentils and return to the saucepan. Add a few tablespoons of the lentil broth, stir in the parsley and heat through.
• Place the squash in the middle of a wide bowl or serving platter, surround with the lentil salad and serve.