Balsamic Feta Mint Puy Lentils Recipes

FRENCH PUY LENTIL SALAD

Steps:

• Peel the half-onion and stud with the cloves.
• Combine onion, lentils, lemon zest, garlic, bay leaf, 1 teaspoon cumin and water in a medium-sized pan.
• Bring to the boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed, taking care not to burn- you can add a little more water if needed, but try not to cook much more than 30 minutes as they should be'al dente'.
• Reserve the garlic and chop finely, but discard the onion, lemon zest and bay leaf.
• In a suitable container, whisk together the vinegar, oil, lemon juice, remaining cumin and reserved garlic, to make the dressing.
• Stir the dressing through the lentils with the mint and chopped green onions, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Allow to stand for 30 minutes so that the flavors absorb.
• Serve at room temperature.

PUY LENTIL SALAD WITH FETA CHEESE

Steps:

• Place the lentils and bay leaf in a saucepan with water.
• Bring to a boil, cover, lower the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
• Discard the bay leaf, drain the lentils, and leave them to cool.
• While the lentils are cooking, chop the beans, carrot and celery.
• Put them in a steamer for about 10 minutes or blanch them in boiling water for about 1 minute- they should be crisp, crunchy and bright in colour.
• Toss all of the cooked ingredients, along with the cilantro, onion, ham and feta, in a medium-sized bowl.
• Whisk together the oil and rice vinegar and dress the salad.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.