Provençal Lentil Salad

Provençal Lentil Salad Recipe from Italy

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

Introduction

Provençal Lentil Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner. This salad is packed with protein and fiber from the lentils, and the fresh vegetables and herbs add a burst of flavor.

History

This recipe is inspired by the flavors of Provence, a region in the south of France known for its fresh and vibrant cuisine. Lentils are a staple in French cooking, and this salad is a great way to showcase their versatility.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of lentils, picked over, rinsed and drained
0.5 onion, halved
1 clove of garlic, crushed
1 bay leaf
1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
0.5 red onion, chopped
2 tbsp of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tsp of olive oil
2 tsp of white wine vinegar
1 tsp of chopped fresh sage

How to prepare

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.
Add lentils, onion quarters, garlic, and bay leaf.
Cook until lentils are just tender, for 20 to 30 minutes.
Drain the lentils.
Discard the onion, garlic, and bay leaf.
Transfer the lentils to a medium bowl and toss with bell pepper, red onion, parsley, oil, vinegar, sage, 0.25 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp freshly ground pepper.
Allow the lentils to cool to room temperature before serving.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or cucumbers for extra freshness.
Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese for a creamy touch.
Mix in some cooked quinoa or bulgur for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Cooking the lentils with the onion, garlic, and bay leaf adds extra flavor to the dish.

- Allow the salad to cool to room temperature before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Provençal Lentil Salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light lunch.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the lentils until they are just tender, as overcooking can make them mushy.

- Toss the salad ingredients gently to avoid crushing the lentils.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use green or brown lentils instead of red lentils.

- Substitute red wine vinegar for the white wine vinegar if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Provençal Lentil Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Provençal Lentil Salad in a large bowl or on individual plates, garnished with a sprig of fresh parsley.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a light and fruity rosé.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Provençal Lentil Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, gently warm the salad in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Provençal Lentil Salad contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Provençal Lentil Salad contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Provençal Lentil Salad contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Provençal Lentil Salad contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Provençal Lentil Salad is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and vegan. However, if you have a nut allergy, be sure to check the ingredients in the olive oil.

Summary

Provençal Lentil Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and fiber. It is a great option for a light and healthy meal.

Summary

Provençal Lentil Salad is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. Packed with protein, fiber, and fresh vegetables, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day in the Provence region of France, where I had decided to take a cooking class to learn about the local cuisine. Little did I know that I would stumble upon a recipe that would become a staple in my cooking repertoire for years to come - the Provençal Lentil Salad.

The class was held in a charming little villa surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. Our instructor, Madame Claire, was a petite French woman with a passion for traditional Provencal dishes. She spoke in a melodic voice as she taught us the secrets of French cooking, emphasizing the importance of fresh, local ingredients and simple yet delicious recipes.

As we gathered around the large wooden table, Madame Claire began to demonstrate how to make the Provençal Lentil Salad. She started by rinsing and cooking the lentils until they were tender but still firm. Then, she mixed them with finely chopped shallots, garlic, and fresh herbs from her garden - parsley, thyme, and rosemary.

Next, she added a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar to give the salad a tangy flavor. She seasoned it with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, stirring everything together with a wooden spoon.

As Madame Claire plated the salad and garnished it with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese and a handful of toasted pine nuts, the aroma of fresh herbs and olive oil filled the room. I couldn't wait to taste it.

When I took my first bite, I was immediately transported to the sun-drenched countryside of Provence. The flavors were bright and vibrant, with the earthy lentils complemented by the zesty herbs and tangy dressing. It was a symphony of tastes and textures that danced on my taste buds.

After the class, I asked Madame Claire for the recipe, eager to recreate the Provençal Lentil Salad at home. She smiled warmly and handed me a handwritten note with the ingredients and instructions. I thanked her profusely and promised to cherish the recipe forever.

Back at home, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen, following Madame Claire's instructions to the letter. As I chopped, stirred, and seasoned, the familiar scents of parsley, thyme, and rosemary filled the air, transporting me back to that sunny afternoon in Provence.

When I took my first bite of the finished salad, I knew that I had found a gem of a recipe. The Provençal Lentil Salad was a perfect balance of flavors and textures, with the tender lentils providing a hearty base for the fragrant herbs and tangy dressing. It was a dish that spoke of tradition and simplicity, yet had a sophistication that belied its humble ingredients.

Over the years, I have made the Provençal Lentil Salad countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. Sometimes I add a handful of cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness. But no matter how I choose to customize it, the essence of the dish remains the same - a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients and the rich culinary heritage of Provence.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day in France, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous encounter that led me to discover the Provençal Lentil Salad. It is a recipe that has brought me joy and comfort in equal measure, connecting me to a distant land and its vibrant culinary traditions.

I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will find as much pleasure in cooking and sharing this recipe as I have. For in the simple act of preparing and enjoying a meal together, we forge lasting memories and strengthen the bonds of family and tradition. And in the case of the Provençal Lentil Salad, a delicious meal is just the beginning of a beautiful journey.