Lentils With Tarragon Shallots And Beets Recipes

LENTILS WITH TARRAGON, SHALLOTS, AND BEETS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, toss beets with 2 tablespoons oil and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Arrange on a rimmed baking sheet; pour 1/4 cup water into pan. Cover with foil; roast until beets are easily pierced with the tip of a knife, 45 to 60 minutes. Remove from oven; let cool. Peel and cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
• Meanwhile, combine lentils, garlic, and bay leaves in a 6-quart saucepan; add enough cold water to cover by about 3 inches. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender but not mushy, 10 to 20 minutes. Stir in remaining 2 teaspoons salt, and cook about 5 minutes more. Drain in a colander; let cool.
• Make vinaigrette: In a small bowl, combine shallot, mustard, and vinegar; let stand 15 minutes. Slowly whisk in remaining 1/4 cup oil in a steady stream.
• Transfer lentils to a large serving bowl. Pour vinaigrette over lentils, and add tarragon; toss well to combine. Toss in beets. Season with salt and pepper, and serve, or cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator up to 4 hours; bring to room temperature before serving.

SALMON WITH BEETS AND LENTILS

Steps:

• In a saucepan of cold water, bring the beets and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain and cool. Peel beets, and cut into 1/4-inch pieces; set aside.
• Combine 1 cup water, lentils, stock, garlic, thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain; remove thyme stems and garlic. Add oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; toss, and keep warm. (If preparing in advance, warm over low heat before assembling dish).
• Heat oven to 375 degrees. Combine coriander and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper; rub over salmon flesh. Spray a cast-iron skillet with vegetable-oil spray, and place over medium heat. When heated, add salmon, flesh side down, and cook until browned, about 3 minutes. Turn fillets, add shallots, and place skillet in oven. Cook about 4 minutes, or until cooked through.
• Meanwhile, place spinach in a metal steamer basket over boiling water; season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Cover, and steam until just wilted. Remove and discard salmon skin; keep salmon warm. Place skillet over medium-high heat, and add wine, scraping pan with a wooden spoon. Reduce by half, and add orange juice, mustard, and remaining tablespoon balsamic vinegar. Add beets, and cook until heated through. Adjust seasoning, if desired. Arrange lentils and spinach on plates; place a salmon fillet on top. Spoon beets and sauce over, and serve.

BULGUR AND LENTIL SALAD WITH TARRAGON AND WALNUTS

Steps:

• In a small bowl combine shallot and 1 tablespoon vinegar. In a small saucepan simmer lentils in water to cover by 2 inches until just tender but not falling apart, 15 to 20 minutes, and drain well. Add hot lentils to shallot mixture and season with salt and pepper. Cool mixture, stirring occasionally.
• In a small heavy saucepan combine 1 1/2 cups water, bulgur, and salt and simmer, covered, until water is absorbed, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer bulgur to a large bowl and cool completely, stirring occasionally.
• Add lentils to bulgur with celery, carrot, tarragon, remaining 2 tablespoons vinegar, oil, walnuts,and salt and pepper to taste and toss well. Salad may be make 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring salad to room temperature before serving.