Herbed Lentil Salad Recipes

LENTILS WITH BULGUR AND HERB SALAD

Steps:

• If time allows soak lentils in cold water to cover an hour or more. Drain. Soak onion in salted water to cover until ready to serve.
• Put 1 tablespoon oil in a large deep saucepan, and turn heat to medium. A minute later add garlic and cook until fragrant, another minute or so. Add tomato, cayenne and cumin and cook until tomato is soft, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add bulgur and cook, stirring, 3 to 4 minutes, then add liquid and lentils. Bring to a boil, then cover, and adjust heat so mixture simmers steadily. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes or until lentils and bulgur are tender and all liquid is absorbed. If mixture starts to dry out, add liquid as needed and continue cooking. You will definitely need to add liquid if you did not soak the lentils. If mixture is too wet, raise heat a bit and cook uncovered, stirring, until it dries out.
• Toss herbs and lettuce with remaining olive oil and lemon juice to taste; add salt and pepper to taste. Serve lentil-bulgur mixture topped with dressed greens, drained onions and a dollop of yogurt on the side.

LENTIL AND HERB SALAD WITH ROASTED PEPPERS AND FETA

Steps:

• In a medium size pot, combine lentils, water, onion, bay leaf and 2 of the garlic cloves. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add salt to taste, cover, reduce heat to low and simmer 25 minutes, until lentils are cooked through but still have some texture. They should not be mushy. Taste and adjust salt. Using tongs, remove onion and bay leaf.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl or measuring cup, mix together vinegar, remaining garlic, salt to taste, and olive oil. Set aside.
• Place a strainer over a bowl and carefully drain lentils. Transfer lentils to a bowl. Measure out 1/4 cup of the broth and whisk it into the dressing, then toss dressing with the lentils. Stir in roasted pepper strips and allow to cool if desired. Taste and adjust salt. Shortly before serving stir in fresh herbs, pepper, and feta.

RED LENTIL SALAD WITH FRESH HERBS

Steps:

• Bring vegetable stock to a boil in a saucepan and add drained lentils. Stir and reduce to a simmer. Simmer uncovered, for 7 to 8 minutes. Lentils will be slightly undercooked. Drain, and allow to cool, about 30 minutes.
• Place cooled lentils in a large mixing bowl and add minced fresh parsley and mint. Add white parts of the green onions, reserving the chopped greens for the garnish. Add tomatoes.
• Combine extra-virgin olive oil and zest and juice of a lemon in a small bowl. Stir to combine, then pour over the salad and toss. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, before serving.
• Before serving, taste and add salt, if desired. Garnish with reserved chopped green tops of green onions.

HERBED LENTIL SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add lentils; reduce heat to medium-low. Gently simmer until lentils are just tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain well.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, anchovies, garlic, nutmeg, and salt; season with pepper. Slowly whisk in oil until emulsified. Whisk in scallions, parsley, and tarragon. While lentils are still warm, add to dressing; toss to combine, and serve.