Nutty Puy Lentil Salad with Fresh Herbs and Peppers
Dive into the delightful flavors of this Puy Lentil Salad, a dish that brings together the nutty taste of Puy lentils with vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs. This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nutritious powerhouse, packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Perfect as a light lunch or as a side dish to complement your favorite main courses, this recipe showcases the versatility of lentils. With a hint of tangy red wine vinegar and the richness of extra virgin olive oil, this salad strikes a balance that will leave your taste buds dancing. Easy to prepare and adaptable to seasonal produce, it's a wonderful addition to any meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Puy lentils
200 g (Soaked for 2 hours)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (For sautéing)
Onion
1 small (Finely chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (Finely chopped)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Red capsicum
1/3 cup (Chopped)
Red onion
1 tablespoon (Finely chopped)
Red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon
Extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon
Black pepper
1 teaspoon (Freshly ground, to taste)
Instructions
1
Rinse the Puy lentils thoroughly under cold running water, then soak them in a large bowl filled with plenty of water for 2 hours. After soaking, drain the lentils, reserving 3/4 cup of the soaking liquid.
2
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown, stirring occasionally.
3
Introduce the finely chopped garlic into the pan and sauté for another minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
4
Stir in the soaked lentils and salt. Pour in the reserved soaking liquid and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The lentils should be tender but maintain a slight firmness. If needed, add a splash of water to prevent them from drying out.
5
Once cooked, transfer the lentils to a large serving bowl. Add the chopped flat-leaf parsley, diced red capsicum, finely chopped red onion, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
6
Serve warm or at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nutty Puy Lentil Salad with Fresh Herbs and Peppers?
It is a nutritious salad that combines Puy lentils with fresh herbs, red capsicum, and a tangy red wine vinegar dressing.
How long should I soak the Puy lentils?
The lentils should be rinsed and then soaked for 2 hours in plenty of water before cooking.
Should I keep the soaking liquid?
Yes, you should reserve 3/4 cup of the soaking liquid to use during the cooking process.
What type of oil is used for sautéing the onions?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing the onion and garlic.
How long does it take to cook the lentils?
The lentils should be simmered on low heat for 20 to 25 minutes until they are tender but firm.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes finely chopped onion, garlic, diced red capsicum, and finely chopped red onion.
Which herbs are used in this recipe?
Half a cup of chopped flat-leaf parsley is added to the salad for fresh flavor.
What is the dressing made of?
The dressing consists of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
Can I serve this salad warm?
Yes, the salad can be served warm or at room temperature.
What is the texture of the cooked lentils?
The lentils should be tender but maintain a slight firmness, avoiding a mushy texture.
Is this dish high in protein?
Yes, lentils are a great source of plant-based protein, making this a nutritious powerhouse.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including the lentils, vegetables, and dressing components.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe specifically calls for red wine vinegar to provide a tangy flavor.
Should I sauté the garlic with the onion?
You should sauté the onion first until golden, then add the garlic for just one minute to avoid burning it.
What is the purpose of the extra virgin olive oil?
Extra virgin olive oil is added at the end to provide richness and meld the flavors together.
Can I use this for meal prep?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe for meal prep as the flavors meld beautifully over time.
How much Puy lentils are required?
The recipe requires 200 grams of Puy lentils.
What should I do if the lentils start to dry out during cooking?
If needed, you can add a splash of water to the pan to prevent the lentils from drying out or sticking.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
What kind of pepper should I use?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
One teaspoon of salt is added to the lentils while they cook.
Can I serve this as a side dish?
Yes, it is excellent as a light lunch or as a side dish to complement main courses.
What color is the capsicum used?
The recipe specifies using red capsicum for its vibrant color and sweetness.
Do I need to rinse the lentils?
Yes, you should rinse them thoroughly under cold running water before soaking.
How much red onion is added at the end?
One tablespoon of finely chopped red onion is tossed into the final salad.
Is this a high-fiber meal?
Yes, Puy lentils are fiber-rich, making this a very healthy and filling option.
How should I stir the lentils?
Stir them frequently during the simmering stage to prevent them from sticking to the saucepan.
What is the first step in preparing the vegetables?
The first step is to finely chop the onion and garlic for sautéing.
What gives the salad its nutty flavor?
The Puy lentils themselves provide a natural, deep nutty taste that defines the dish.