WARM LENTIL SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE
Even people who swear they don't abide beans find pleasure in the distinctive, profound flavor of lentils. They also cook quickly, and you want them on the al dente side for this salad. That means they'll be ready in 25 minutes, still a long enough simmering time to yield a savory broth. Goat cheese and lentils make a particularly good pairing; the little earthy-sweet legumes love a salty-umami complement (that's why you so often see them paired with sausage and other cured pork products), and goat cheese fits the bill. Here the combination is especially cozy, as the cheese melts into the warm lentils, bathing them in a creamy dressing. Lentils and vinegar also marry well. The key here is to add the dressing while the lentils are still warm, even if you don't plan on serving the salad warm. I spoon the mixture onto a bed of wild arugula, though regular will do if you can't find the sharper tasting, wispy wild variety.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories dinner, lunch, salads and dressings, side dish
Time 40m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
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.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 427, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 50 grams, Fat 16 grams, Fiber 9 grams, Protein 22 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 335 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams
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Syedaa Zahra
[email protected]This salad is a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. My kids love the sweet butternut squash and the creamy goat cheese.
RenAnne J
[email protected]I'm not a vegetarian, but I love this salad. It's so hearty and flavorful that I don't even miss the meat.
sunil shakya
[email protected]This salad is a great way to use up leftover lentils. I had some lentils leftover from a soup I made last week and this salad was the perfect way to use them up.
Nkumah Dora
[email protected]I made this salad for lunch and it was so filling and satisfying. I love that it's packed with protein and fiber.
F1 Grass
[email protected]I'm always looking for new ways to cook lentils and this salad is a great option. It's healthy and delicious.
meheraj Hossain
[email protected]This salad is so easy to make and it's perfect for a weeknight meal.
hassan kassab
[email protected]I love the combination of flavors in this salad. The lentils, butternut squash, and goat cheese all go so well together.
Audrey Dickson
[email protected]This was my first time making a warm lentil salad and it turned out great! I followed the recipe exactly and it was perfect.
Sintia jahan jahan
[email protected]I'm not a huge fan of lentils, but this salad changed my mind. It's so flavorful and satisfying.
faysal ghazi
[email protected]I made this salad for a potluck and it was a huge success. Everyone loved it!
Digital Techbd
[email protected]This salad is a great way to get your daily dose of lentils. It's hearty and filling, and the goat cheese adds a nice touch of creaminess.
M Nur (Nurzahan)
[email protected]I've made this salad several times now and it's always a winner. It's so easy to make and it's always delicious. I love that I can use whatever vegetables I have on hand.
Zorain Rind
[email protected]This warm lentil salad with goat cheese was a hit at my dinner party! The lentils were cooked perfectly and the flavors were amazing. I especially loved the combination of the tangy goat cheese and the sweet roasted butternut squash.