Cuban Lentil Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette

Cuban Lentil Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette Recipe | Authentic Cuban Cuisine

Region / culture: Cuba | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cuban Lentil Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines tender lentils with a zesty and spicy dressing. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a Cuban-inspired meal.

History

Lentils have been a staple in Cuban cuisine for centuries, providing a good source of protein and fiber. This recipe takes traditional lentils and gives them a Cuban twist with the addition of spices and a tangy vinaigrette.

Ingredients

6 cups water
1.5 tbsp coarse sea salt
1.5 cups lentils, rinsed and picked over
5 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
4 large garlic cloves, cut into slivers
0.5 tsp ground cumin
0.5 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
0.25 cup white wine vinegar
4 green onions, white and light green parts sliced thinly diagonally
0.25 cup finely diced jícama
fresh parsley sprigs for garnish
lemon wedges for garnish

How to prepare

In a large pot, bring the water to a boil and add the salt.
Add the lentils, reduce the heat to low, and cook covered for 30 minutes.
The lentils should be tender but not mushy.
Take care not to overcook them or they can fall apart.
While the lentils are cooking, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-low heat.
Add the garlic and cook gently for 5 to 6 minutes, or until softened and just slightly golden.
Do not allow it to brown.
Remove from the heat and add the cumin, coriander, cayenne, and salt.
Stir in the vinegar and then transfer the mixture to a large serving bowl.
Drain the lentils in a colander, and immediately transfer them to the bowl.
Toss together until the lentils are evenly coated with the dressing, then drizzle the remaining 4 tbsp of olive oil over the top and toss again just to mix.
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then stir in the scallions and jícama.
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 1 or 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend.
Garnish with sprigs of parsley and lemon wedges.

Variations

Add diced avocado or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Substitute black beans for the lentils for a different twist on the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure not to overcook the lentils, as they can become mushy.

- Toasting the garlic and spices in olive oil before adding them to the lentils helps to enhance their flavors.

- Allowing the salad to sit for a couple of hours in the refrigerator before serving helps the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to rinse and pick over the lentils before cooking to remove any debris.

- Cooking the lentils in salted water helps to season them from the inside out.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar in place of white wine vinegar.

- Substitute red onion for the scallions for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days before serving. Just be sure to garnish with parsley and lemon wedges right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad in a large bowl garnished with fresh parsley sprigs and lemon wedges for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables. Serve with a side of crusty bread or plantains for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cuban Lentil Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cuban Lentil Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cuban Lentil Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cuban Lentil Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, folate, and vitamin C from the lentils and vegetables.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check for any specific allergies to lentils or other ingredients.

Summary

Cuban Lentil Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette is a nutritious dish that is high in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cuban Lentil Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. Enjoy this salad as a side dish or a light meal for a taste of Cuban cuisine at home.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a warm summer day, and I had been invited to a potluck dinner with some friends. As I scanned the table of delicious dishes, my eyes landed on a vibrant and unique salad that immediately caught my attention. It was a Cuban Lentil Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette, and it looked absolutely delicious.

I approached the friend who had brought the salad and asked her for the recipe. She smiled and said that she had learned it from her Cuban grandmother many years ago. Intrigued, I asked if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. She gladly agreed and began to tell me how to make this flavorful salad.

The first step was to cook the lentils until they were tender but still had a bit of bite to them. I learned that lentils are a staple in Cuban cuisine, as they are nutritious and easy to cook. They are also incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups to salads.

Next, I was instructed to chop up some fresh vegetables to add to the lentils. The recipe called for colorful bell peppers, ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy red onions. These ingredients would not only add flavor and texture to the salad but also provide a burst of color that would make it visually appealing.

The spicy vinaigrette was the star of the show in this recipe. Made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper, it was a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors. I was amazed at how just a few simple ingredients could come together to create such a delicious dressing.

As I mixed the cooked lentils with the chopped vegetables and dressed them with the spicy vinaigrette, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had never made a salad quite like this before, and I was excited to share it with my friends at the potluck dinner.

When the time came to serve the salad, I watched as my friends took their first bites. Their eyes lit up with delight as they tasted the bold flavors of the Cuban Lentil Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette. They couldn't stop raving about how delicious it was, and I felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that I had created something truly special.

From that day on, the Cuban Lentil Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette became a staple in my recipe repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on lazy Sundays. Each time I made it, I thought back to that warm summer day when I first discovered the recipe and felt grateful for the friend who had shared it with me.

As the years passed, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it my own. I tried different types of lentils, mixed in fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, and even added some grilled shrimp or chicken for a heartier version of the salad.

No matter how many times I made it, the Cuban Lentil Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette always brought back memories of that first potluck dinner and the joy of discovering a new and delicious recipe. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

And so, I will always hold a special place in my heart for this recipe and the friend who shared it with me. It has become a beloved dish in my family, a symbol of love, friendship, and the joy of cooking. And I will continue to make it for years to come, passing down the recipe to future generations and sharing the story of how I learned to make the Cuban Lentil Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette.