Salata Adas (Lentil Salad)

Salata Adas (Lentil Salad) Recipe from Arabia

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Salata Adas, or Lentil Salad, is a popular Middle Eastern dish that is both nutritious and delicious. This simple yet flavorful salad is made with brown lentils, fresh herbs, and a tangy lemon dressing. It can be served as a side dish or a light meal on its own.

History

Lentils have been a staple food in the Middle East for centuries, and Salata Adas is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed by generations. The combination of lentils, herbs, and citrus flavors is a classic one in Middle Eastern cuisine, and this salad is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

100 g (4 oz) dried brown lentils
600 ml (1 pt) water
2 tbsp flat leaf parsley, finely chopped (stems discarded)
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 bay leaf
juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp olive oil
0.5 tsp cumin seeds
0.5 tsp salt
pinch of black pepper

How to prepare

Wash and sort the lentils, then soak them in plenty of cold water for 2 hours.
Place the lentils, bay leaf, and cumin seeds in a medium saucepan.
Add 600 ml (1 pt) of boiling water and bring it to a boil.
Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Drain them and set them aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Next, add the warm lentils and chopped parsley. Mix everything well and refrigerate it for 1 hour.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or cucumbers for extra freshness.
Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese or olives for added flavor.
Substitute the parsley with mint or cilantro for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the lentils before cooking helps to reduce cooking time and improve their texture.

- Be sure to season the salad well with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to enhance the flavors of the dish.

- For added flavor, you can toast the cumin seeds before adding them to the salad.

- Refrigerating the salad for at least an hour before serving allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the taste of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Salata Adas can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or fish, or as a light meal on its own. It pairs well with pita bread or a simple green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the lentils until they are tender but still hold their shape.

- Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

Ingredient Substitutions

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

- If you don't have cumin seeds, you can use ground cumin instead.

Make Ahead Tips

Salata Adas can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Salata Adas in a large bowl or on a platter, garnished with extra parsley or a drizzle of olive oil. You can also serve it in individual bowls or on a bed of lettuce for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Salata Adas pairs well with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish. It also goes well with other Middle Eastern dishes such as hummus, tabbouleh, or falafel.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Salata Adas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a few seconds or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Salata Adas contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Salata Adas contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Salata Adas contains approximately 7 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Salata Adas contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Salata Adas is a good source of iron, folate, and vitamin C.

Alergens

Salata Adas is gluten-free and dairy-free. However, it may contain traces of nuts or other allergens depending on the ingredients used.

Summary

Salata Adas is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and fiber. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals and is relatively low in calories.

Summary

Salata Adas is a simple and flavorful Middle Eastern salad made with lentils, fresh herbs, and a tangy lemon dressing. It is a nutritious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal. With its high protein and fiber content, Salata Adas is a healthy and delicious addition to any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Fatima in her cozy kitchen. She had just returned from a trip to her homeland in Lebanon, and she was excited to share with me a new recipe she had learned while she was there. As she started gathering the ingredients for the salad, I couldn't help but be intrigued by the combination of flavors and textures that she was putting together.

Fatima explained to me that Salata Adas, or Lentil Salad, is a popular dish in Lebanese cuisine. It is made with cooked lentils, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing made with lemon juice, olive oil, and spices. The salad is not only delicious but also nutritious, as lentils are a great source of protein and fiber.

As Fatima walked me through the steps of making the salad, I watched in awe as she effortlessly tossed the ingredients together with a finesse that can only come from years of experience. She shared with me the secret to making the perfect Salata Adas – using high-quality ingredients, taking the time to cook the lentils just right, and balancing the flavors of the dressing to perfection.

After we finished making the salad, Fatima and I sat down to enjoy it together. The flavors were bold and vibrant, with the earthy lentils complemented by the freshness of the vegetables and the zing of the lemon dressing. I was hooked from the first bite, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

Over the years, I have made Salata Adas countless times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. I have experimented with different types of lentils, swapped out vegetables based on what was in season, and even tried adding some herbs and spices to the dressing to give it an extra kick.

One of my favorite memories of making Salata Adas was when my granddaughter Sofia came over to visit me. She was always eager to learn new recipes and was especially interested in the dishes that had been passed down through our family. I decided to teach her how to make Salata Adas, hoping that she would come to love it as much as I do.

As Sofia and I worked together in the kitchen, I could see the same curiosity and excitement in her eyes that I had felt when I first learned how to make the salad. She carefully measured out the ingredients, stirred the lentils as they cooked, and whisked together the dressing with all the skill of someone who had been cooking for years.

When we finally sat down to enjoy the salad, I watched as Sofia took her first bite. Her face lit up with delight, and I knew that she had fallen in love with Salata Adas, just like I had so many years ago. It was a special moment, sharing a beloved recipe with my granddaughter and passing down a tradition that had been a part of our family for generations.

As I sit here now, reflecting on all the memories I have of making Salata Adas over the years, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the simple pleasures of life – good food, good company, and the joy of sharing something delicious with the ones you love. This recipe may have come from a distant land, but it has found a home in my heart, and I will continue to make it for years to come, passing it down to future generations and keeping the tradition alive. And every time I take a bite of this delicious salad, I will be reminded of the day I first saw the recipe and how it left a lasting impression on me.