Zesty Puy Lentil Salad with Fresh Mint and Lemon
Discover the delightful taste of Puy lentils in this vibrant salad recipe! Originating from the volcanic soil of France, these small green lentils boast a unique peppery flavor and an appealing firm yet tender texture. Unlike other lentils, they hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for salads. This dish features a refreshing combination of aromatic herbs and zesty citrus that brightens the palate. The fresh mint adds a cooling herbal note, while the lemon juice contributes a lively tang. The addition of balsamic vinegar provides a mellow sweetness that balances the dish beautifully. Ideal as a light lunch or a savory side at dinner, this salad is not only delicious but also a nutritious option packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
3 1/2 cups (28 fl oz)
onion
1/2 (peeled and studded with cloves)
cloves
2 (to stud the onion)
Puy lentils
1 1/2 cups (10 oz)
lemon
1 slice (zest only)
garlic
2 cloves (peeled)
bay leaf
1 (fresh)
ground cumin
2 teaspoons (divided)
balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (or use red wine vinegar)
olive oil
3 tablespoons
lemon juice
1 tablespoon
fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
green onions
3 (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the half onion and studding it with the cloves. This will infuse the lentils with a subtle onion flavor.
2
In a medium-sized pot, combine the studded onion, Puy lentils, lemon zest, peeled garlic cloves, fresh bay leaf, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and water.
3
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Allow the lentils to simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender yet firm to the bite (al dente). If necessary, add a splash of water to prevent burning, but avoid overcooking.
4
Once cooked, remove the pot from heat. Discard the onion, lemon zest, and bay leaf. Finely chop the reserved garlic and set aside.
5
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar), olive oil, lemon juice, the remaining teaspoon of cumin, and the reserved chopped garlic to create a flavorful dressing.
6
Gently fold the dressing into the cooked lentils along with the finely chopped fresh mint leaves and green onions. Season to taste with salt and freshly cracked pepper.
7
Allow the salad to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully together.
8
Serve the salad at room temperature and enjoy this fresh, nutritious dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Puy lentils?
Puy lentils are small green lentils grown in the volcanic soil of France, known for their peppery flavor and firm texture.
Why are Puy lentils used in this salad?
Unlike other varieties, Puy lentils hold their shape beautifully after cooking, making them ideal for salads where texture is important.
How do I prepare the onion for the cooking process?
Peel half an onion and stud it with two cloves to infuse the lentils with subtle flavor during the simmering process.
How long do the lentils need to cook?
The lentils should simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until they are al dente, meaning tender yet firm to the bite.
What aromatics are added to the lentil cooking water?
The water includes a clove-studded onion, lemon zest, garlic cloves, a fresh bay leaf, and ground cumin.
What should I do with the aromatics after the lentils are cooked?
Discard the onion, lemon zest, and bay leaf, but keep the garlic to be finely chopped for the dressing.
What ingredients make up the salad dressing?
The dressing is a whisked mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, and the cooked chopped garlic.
Can I substitute balsamic vinegar?
Yes, you can use red wine vinegar if you do not have balsamic vinegar available.
What fresh herbs are included in this recipe?
The salad features finely chopped fresh mint leaves and green onions for a refreshing herbal profile.
Is this Zesty Puy Lentil Salad vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and suitable for a vegan diet.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients used in this lentil salad are naturally gluten-free.
What is the recommended serving temperature?
The salad is best served at room temperature to fully appreciate the complex flavors.
How long should the salad rest before serving?
It is recommended to let the salad rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What gives this salad its 'zesty' flavor?
The combination of lemon zest in the cooking water and fresh lemon juice in the dressing provides the zesty citrus notes.
How much water is needed to cook the lentils?
The recipe calls for 3 1/2 cups (approximately 28 fl oz) of water.
What should I do if the lentils are getting dry while cooking?
If necessary, add a splash of water during the simmering process to prevent the lentils from burning.
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?
While fresh mint is preferred for its cooling herbal note, you can use dried in a pinch, though the flavor will be less vibrant.
How much cumin is used in total?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of ground cumin in total: one for the cooking water and one for the dressing.
What are the nutritional benefits of this salad?
This dish is a nutritious option rich in protein, fiber, and various vitamins.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 2 garlic cloves, which are boiled with the lentils and then chopped for the dressing.
Can this salad be served as a main dish?
Yes, it works perfectly as a light lunch main dish or as a savory side for dinner.
How many green onions are used?
The recipe calls for 3 finely chopped green onions.
What is the purpose of the bay leaf?
The fresh bay leaf adds a subtle aromatic depth to the lentils as they simmer.
How much olive oil is in the dressing?
The dressing uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
What texture should the cooked lentils have?
They should be firm yet tender, avoiding an overcooked or mushy consistency.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to develop even further, though it should be brought to room temperature before serving.
Does the recipe use lemon juice or lemon zest?
It uses both: the zest of one lemon slice for cooking the lentils and a tablespoon of juice for the dressing.
What type of vinegar provides a mellow sweetness to the dish?
Balsamic vinegar is used to provide a mellow sweetness that balances the zesty lemon.
Is salt and pepper included?
Yes, you should season the salad to taste with salt and freshly cracked pepper during the final mixing step.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While the specific serving count isn't listed, 1 1/2 cups of dried lentils typically yields enough for 4-6 side portions.