Still Life: Mediterranean Lentil Salad

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* Exported from MasterCook *

 

Mediterranean Lentil Salad

 

Recipe By : Still Life with Menu (1994), Mollie Katzen, page 18

Serving Size : 6 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Beans And Legumes Fruits

Salads, Main Dish Vegetables

 

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

2 cups dried lentils

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 orange -- up to 2

peeled and sectioned

1 large garlic clove -- minced

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

(cider vinegar will also work)

1/4 cup very finely minced red onion

1/4 teaspoon grated orange rind -- up to 1/2

1/4 teaspoon grated lime rind -- up to 1/2

1/2 cup packed dried currants

1 small carrot -- finely minced

1/2 red bell pepper -- minced

1/2 yellow bell pepper -- minced

***HANDFUL EACH***

finely minced fresh parsley

finely minced fresh chives

finely minced fresh mint

 

Preparation time: 40 minutes to prepare, plus several hours to

chill. Yield: serves 6, easily.

 

Sweet and savory combine harmoniously in this fruity marinated

salad. Streamline the preparation time by getting everything else ready

while the lentils are cooking. The whole salad can be made up to two days

ahead of time, but postpone adding the bell pep- per and fresh herbs until

shortly before serving.

 

1. Rinse the lentils in a colander. Meanwhile, set a large potful of

water to boil-at least 6 cups of water. After the water has reached the

boiling point, lower the heat to a simmer. Add the lentils, and cook very

gently in the simmering water, partially covered, until they are

tender. (Try to prevent the water from getting agitated while the lentils

are cooking, as that will cause them to burst and lose their shape. The

goal is to have perfectly cooked lentils-light and distinct.) Cooking time

should be around 20 to 30 minutes. Check the water level and add more if

necessary. Drain the lentils when they are done, and gently rinse in cold

water. Drain again and place in a large bowl.

 

2. Add remaining ingredients except hell pepper and fresh herbs, cover

tightly, and chill at least 4 hours.

 

3. Add the bell pepper and herbs within an hour of serving.

 

 

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