Moroccan Lentil Salad (Healthy)

spatchcock's Note:

Oh, yum, yum...I bought a big bottle of whole cloves at Sam's a while ago and found this recipe to use them. It is fantastic. I pretty much followed it exactly, except for the garlic change. I also added two diced Roma tomatoes. It is very healthy--low fat, with only 2 tsp olive oil!!--and authentic-tasting.

• Total Time: 25 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 ¼ cups green lentils , preferably french
• 1 small onion , sliced in half
• 3 whole cloves
• 5 cups water
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried mint
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon garlic granules (this is what the original recipe called for; I use minced garlic, and definitely more than 1/4 tsp!!)
• ½ cup chopped roasted red pepper (about 1/2 pepper)

Directions:

1. Pick over lentils to remove any stones and rinse well.
2. Stick one onion half with the cloves.
3. In a large saucepan, combine water, lentils and the onion stuck with the cloves.
4. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until the lentils are tender, about 20 minutes.
6. Discard onion.
7. Drain lentils and let cool slightly.
8. In a bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, mint, cumin, coriander, salt and garlic.
9. Add lentils and toss to mix.
10. Finely chop the remaining onion half and add to the lentils along with the roasted peppers.
11. Chill at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
12. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Reviews

[Chef #48136]

Absolutely delicious! I really really liked the Middle Eastern flavour. I tried it as a salad and also as filling for a pita sandwich, along with some spinach leaves. Excellent both ways! I used French lentils. I used 2 cloves garlic, and added 1 small diced tomato. I roasted one small red pepper, and when it was peeled and chopped it wasn't quite enough. Easy to make, and very tasty! I will be making this again.

[Kathy228]

Delicious if you like a cold lentil dish. I used fresh mint instead of dried and doubled the cumin. And threw in about 2 tbsp fresh parsley. I served it with plain yogurt. This is a great recipe.

[Chef #375100]

It was very good! Maybe next time I'll add more of the roasted red pepper. All in all, excellent flavour, good balance, thank you for the recipe!