Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will revolutionize your salad game! This Moroccan-inspired lentil salad is not just a dish; it's a flavor explosion that combines the earthy richness of perfectly cooked lentils with a vibrant blend of spices and fresh ingredients. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or an adventurous home cook, this recipe promises to tantalize your senses and bring the exotic flavors of North Africa right to your dining table.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Moroccan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold running water, removing any small stones or debris.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils with vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
- While the lentils are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Finely chop the red onion and dice the bell pepper into small, uniform pieces.
- Once the lentils are cooked, drain any excess liquid and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Allow the lentils to cool for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
- Add the chopped red onion, diced bell pepper, and fresh parsley to the cooled lentils.
- In a small bowl, create the dressing by combining ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, pepper, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
- Pour the spice and lemon dressing over the lentil mixture, gently tossing to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. You may want to add additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing and nutritious salad. The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Lentil Perfection: The key to an amazing lentil salad is cooking the lentils just right. Aim for tender but not mushy - they should have a slight bite to them.
- Spice it Up: Toast your cumin and coriander briefly in a dry pan before adding to the dressing to intensify their flavors and release their aromatic oils.
- Freshness Matters: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor. Bottled lemon juice just can't compare!
- Marination Magic: Don't skip the refrigeration step. Letting the salad sit for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste profile.
- Customization is Key: Feel free to add additional ingredients like crumbled feta cheese, chopped mint, or toasted pine nuts to make the salad your own.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: This salad actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve as a standalone light meal, or as a side dish with grilled meats or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired spread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
