Lentils with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Feta

Lentils with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Feta Recipe from Greece

Region / culture: Greece | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Lentils with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Feta is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of earthy lentils, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese creates a flavorful and satisfying meal.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional lentil dishes that have been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. Lentils are a staple food in many cuisines due to their versatility, affordability, and health benefits. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese adds a Mediterranean flair to this classic dish.

Ingredients

1.5 cups of dry lentils, picked over and rinsed
0.25 cups of sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil
1 tsp of oil from tomatoes
2 tbsp of olive oil
2 tbsp of white wine vinegar
0.25 tsp of dried thyme
0.5 cups of crumbled feta cheese

How to prepare

In a large pot of water, add 1 tsp of salt and lentils.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients, except for feta cheese.
Drain and rinse the lentils.
Place the lentils in a serving bowl.
Add the dressing and gently toss the ingredients.
Add the feta cheese and gently toss again.
Serve the dish.

Variations

Add chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a burst of freshness.
Substitute crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese for the feta.
Stir in some cooked quinoa or brown rice for added texture and protein.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Cooking the lentils in salted water helps to enhance their flavor.

- For added depth of flavor, you can sauté some onions and garlic before adding the lentils to the pot.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs and spices, such as cumin, paprika, or parsley.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lentils with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Feta as a main dish with a side salad or crusty bread. It also pairs well with grilled vegetables or roasted chicken.

Cooking Techniques

To save time, you can use canned lentils instead of cooking them from scratch.

- You can also cook the lentils in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot for faster results.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil or rehydrate dried sun-dried tomatoes in warm water before using.

- Substitute red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar for the white wine vinegar.

- Use any type of crumbled cheese, such as goat cheese or blue cheese, in place of feta.

Make Ahead Tips

Lentils with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Feta can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making it a great make-ahead dish for meal prep.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color. Serve it in a decorative serving bowl or on a platter for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Lentils with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Feta with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also pairs well with a light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Grenache.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the dish until warmed through or heat it in a saucepan on the stove.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Lentils with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Feta contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

One serving of Lentils with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Feta contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

One serving of Lentils with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Feta contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

One serving of Lentils with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Feta contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Lentils are a good source of iron, folate, and potassium. Sun-dried tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, while feta cheese provides calcium and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (feta cheese) and may not be suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Lentils with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Feta is a nutritious dish that is high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy and satisfying meal option for vegetarians and omnivores alike.

Summary

Lentils with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Feta is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick and healthy meal. With its combination of protein-rich lentils, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Lentils with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Feta. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little cottage in the countryside. Maria was always known for her amazing cooking skills and her delicious recipes, so I was excited to spend the day with her in the kitchen.

As soon as I walked into Maria's kitchen, I could smell the aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through the air. Maria greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and then she handed me a glass of chilled white wine. We chatted and caught up on each other's lives as Maria prepared the ingredients for our lunch.

I watched as Maria chopped up some sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled some feta cheese. She then rinsed some lentils and set them to cook on the stove. The whole kitchen was filled with the delicious smells of the ingredients mingling together.

As the lentils simmered away, Maria explained to me how she had learned this recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She told me that the key to making this dish really special was to use high-quality ingredients and to let the flavors develop slowly over a low heat.

I was intrigued by the simplicity of the recipe and the way Maria spoke about it with such love and reverence. I could tell that this dish held a special place in her heart, and I wanted to learn how to make it myself.

After the lentils had cooked through and absorbed all the flavors of the sun-dried tomatoes and feta, Maria plated up the dish and sprinkled it with some fresh parsley. She handed me a fork and urged me to try it.

The first bite was like a revelation. The earthy lentils were perfectly complemented by the tangy sun-dried tomatoes and the creamy feta cheese. The flavors danced on my tongue, and I could taste the love and history that had gone into making this dish.

I asked Maria to teach me how to make it, and she happily obliged. We spent the rest of the afternoon cooking together, with Maria guiding me through each step and sharing her tips and tricks for making the dish just right.

As I stirred the lentils and watched them thicken into a rich, savory stew, I felt a sense of connection to Maria and her family history. I could almost imagine her grandmother standing beside me, nodding in approval as I followed her recipe with care and reverence.

By the time the dish was ready to serve, I felt like I had truly learned something special that day. I had not only discovered a delicious new recipe, but I had also forged a deeper bond with my dear friend Maria and her culinary heritage.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal together, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures of good food and good company. And as I took another bite of the lentils with sun-dried tomatoes and feta, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart, just like it did in Maria's.

And so, every time I make this dish now, I think back to that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen and the joy of discovering something new and delicious. It's amazing how a simple recipe can bring people together and create lasting memories that we will cherish for years to come.