Spiced Pumpkin Lentil And Goat Cheese Salad Recipes

WARM LENTIL SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• In a medium pot, combine lentils, onion, two of the garlic cloves and the bay leaf with 6 cups water. 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. (You may cook lentils up to four days ahead and store in the refrigerator. Bring back to a simmer and proceed with recipe.)
• 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, reserving 1/4 cup of the broth. Return lentils to the pot. Whisk reserved broth into the dressing, then stir dressing into lentils. Add goat cheese and stir until it has melted into the lentils. Season to taste with pepper. Stir in herbs.
• Line a platter, salad plates or wide bowls with arugula. Top arugula with the lentils. Serve warm.

SPICED BUTTERNUT SQUASH, LENTIL AND GOAT CHEESE SALAD

Steps:

• Place lentils in a small bowl. Cover with cold water and soak 10 minutes. Drain.
• Cook lentils in boiling salted water until tender, but firm, about 30 minutes. Drain lentils. rinse under cold water, then drain gain.
• Preheat oven to 375 egrees. Place squash in large bowl; toss with 2 tablespoons oil, cumin, paprika and sea salt. Arrange squash in a single layer n baking sheet; roast 20 minutes. Turn squash over and roast 10 to 15 minutes longer. Cool.
• Combine lentils, pumpkin and oil from baking sheet with arugula, half the goat cheese, mint, vinegar and 1 tablespoon oil. Season with salt and pepper. Divide among plates; sprinkle remaining goat cheese over.