Brown Lentil Salad

Egyptian Brown Lentil Salad Recipe with Onions, Lemon Juice, and Olive Oil

Region / culture: Egypt | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Brown lentil salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish. Packed with protein and fiber, this salad is not only tasty but also good for you.

History

Lentils have been a staple food in many cultures for centuries. They are one of the oldest cultivated crops and have been a part of the human diet since ancient times. Lentils are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and salads.

Ingredients

2 cups of brown lentils
2 spring onions
2 tbsp of lemon juice
2 tbsp of olive oil
salt

How to prepare

Cover the lentils with twice their amount of water and boil them until they become tender. Drain the lentils and let them cool.
Slice the onion, using only the white root part, and soak it in lemon juice. Mix all the ingredients together before serving.

Variations

You can add chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers to the salad for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the lentils before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.

- Do not overcook the lentils, as they can become mushy.

- You can add other vegetables or herbs to the salad to customize it to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Brown lentil salad can be served as a side dish or as a main course. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the lentils until tender is the main cooking technique for this recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use green or black lentils instead of brown lentils in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Brown lentil salad pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply microwave the salad until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of brown lentil salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

One serving of brown lentil salad contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

One serving of brown lentil salad contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

One serving of brown lentil salad contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Brown lentils are a good source of iron, folate, and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and vegan.

Summary

Brown lentil salad is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and fiber. It is a great option for vegetarians and vegans looking to add more plant-based protein to their diet.

Summary

Brown lentil salad is a healthy and delicious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a light meal or side dish. Packed with protein and fiber, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Brown Lentil Salad. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the secrets of delicious cooking from my mother. We were visiting our neighbors for dinner one evening, and I was fascinated by the fragrant smells coming from their kitchen.

As I peeked inside, I saw Mrs. Johnson, our neighbor, busily chopping vegetables and mixing ingredients in a large bowl. I watched in awe as she added brown lentils to the mix, a unique ingredient that I had never seen before. Mrs. Johnson noticed my curiosity and invited me to help her prepare the salad.

She explained that brown lentils were not only nutritious but also incredibly versatile in cooking. She taught me how to cook the lentils until they were tender but still firm, and then how to mix them with a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs to create a delicious and healthy salad.

I was amazed at how simple yet flavorful the dish was, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it for myself. Mrs. Johnson kindly shared her recipe with me, and from that day on, Brown Lentil Salad became a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect the recipe, adding my own twist with different herbs and spices. I have made the salad for countless family gatherings and dinner parties, always receiving compliments and requests for the recipe.

One of my favorite memories of making Brown Lentil Salad was when my granddaughter, Sarah, came to visit me for the summer. She was curious about my cooking and eager to learn some of my recipes. I decided to teach her how to make the salad, just as Mrs. Johnson had taught me all those years ago.

Sarah was a quick learner, and soon she was chopping vegetables and cooking lentils with ease. As we mixed the ingredients together, I could see the same sense of wonder and excitement in her eyes that I had felt when I first learned the recipe.

As we sat down to enjoy the salad together, I felt a sense of pride and joy in passing down this family recipe to the next generation. I knew that Sarah would continue to make the salad for her own family and friends, creating new memories and traditions along the way.

In a world where recipes come and go, it is comforting to know that some dishes, like Brown Lentil Salad, can stand the test of time. The simple yet delicious combination of lentils, vegetables, and herbs is a reminder of the joy and love that can be found in cooking for others.

As I look back on my life and all the recipes I have collected over the years, I am grateful for the experiences and memories that have shaped my love of cooking. And I am especially grateful for the recipe for Brown Lentil Salad, a dish that will always hold a special place in my heart.