Discover a hearty and flavorful Lentil and Kielbasa Salad that combines the goodness of protein-rich lentils, savory kielbasa, and a medley of fresh vegetables. This delightful salad is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a powerhouse of nutrition. With a zesty vinaigrette dressing that enhances the flavors, this salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a refreshing side dish.
**Explore variations of this versatile salad:**
1. **Lentil and Sausage Salad:** Elevate the classic recipe by swapping kielbasa for your favorite sausage variety, adding a unique twist to the flavor profile.
2. **Spicy Lentil and Kielbasa Salad:** Add a kick of heat to the salad with a spicy vinaigrette or a pinch of cayenne pepper, creating a tantalizing dish that will ignite your taste buds.
3. **Loaded Lentil and Kielbasa Salad:** Transform the salad into a complete meal by adding cooked quinoa, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or crumbled feta cheese, creating a hearty and satisfying salad bowl.
4. **Mediterranean Lentil and Kielbasa Salad:** Give the salad a Mediterranean flair by incorporating sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and a drizzle of olive oil, resulting in a vibrant and flavorful dish.
5. **Vegan Lentil and Kielbasa Salad:** Make the salad suitable for vegan diets by using plant-based kielbasa or tempeh, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this delicious and protein-packed dish.
WARM FRENCH LENTILS
Steps:
- Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium saute pan, add the leek and carrots, and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute and set aside.
- Meanwhile, place the lentils, 4 cups of water, the onion with the cloves, and the turnip in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the lentils are almost tender. Remove and discard the onion and turnip and drain the lentils. Place them in a medium bowl with the leek and carrots, and add the butter.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the 1/4 cup of olive oil, the mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add to the lentils, stir well, and allow the lentils to cool until just warm, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve. The longer the lentils sit, the more salt and pepper you'll want to add.
WARM POTATO AND KIELBASA SALAD
Crisped up kielbasa and a warm mustardy dressing make this a standout potato salad. Dressing the potatoes while warm helps soak up the flavors of the dressing, and the raw crunchy celery and fresh herbs perk up the whole dish.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories side-dish
Time 35m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Put the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water by a few inches; season with salt. Bring to a simmer and cook until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the potatoes.
- Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the kielbasa and cook, tossing, until well browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the red onion and cook until just wilted but still crunchy, 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the vinegar and mustard. Whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil until smooth; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper.
- Transfer the hot potatoes to a large serving dish. Season the potatoes with 1 teaspoon salt, then pour the kielbasa mixture on top and gently toss. Add the celery, celery leaves, parsley and dill; toss. Serve warm.
KIELBASA AND LENTIL RICE WITH SPINACH
This easy weeknight dinner combines fresh ingredients and pantry staples in an inspired way: setting links of smoky Polish sausage atop saucy rice and lentils with wilted greens.
Provided by Greg Lofts
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Pork Recipes
Time 1h
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat oil in a large straight-sided skillet over medium-high. Prick kielbasa in a few places with a fork. Add to skillet and cook, flipping once, until browned in places, 5 to 7 minutes; transfer to a plate. Add onion to skillet; reduce heat to medium, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, 5 to 6 minutes.
- Stir in curry powder; cook 30 seconds. Add lentils and 2 1/2 cups water; bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes.
- Stir in rice, tomatoes, and vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Return kielbasa and any juices to skillet. Cover; simmer over low until rice and lentils are just cooked through, about 15 minutes. Add spinach, cover, and cook until just wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir spinach into rice mixture; season to taste. Slice sausage and serve.
WARM LENTIL SALAD WITH SAUSAGE
Steps:
- Bring lentils, water, and bay leaf to a boil in a 2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, until almost tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, then simmer lentils, covered, until tender but not falling apart, 3 to 5 minutes.
- While lentils simmer, cook onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in 2 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are just softened, 7 to 9 minutes.
- Make vinaigrette by whisking together vinegar, mustard, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a bowl. Add remaining 1/2 cup oil in a slow stream, whisking until blended well.
- Drain lentils in a colander, discarding bay leaf, and return to saucepan along with vegetable mixture and vinaigrette. Cook over low heat, stirring, until heated through. Keep warm, covered.
- Brown kielbasa in cleaned and dried 12-inch heavy skillet (in 2 batches if necessary), turning over once, about 2 minutes per batch. Stir kielbasa and parsley into lentils.
KIELBASA AND LENTIL SALAD WITH WARM MUSTARD-FENNEL DRESSING
Steps:
- Place lentils, carrots and celery in heavy large saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover. Stir in salt and bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until lentils are just tender, about 20 minutes. Drain. Transfer lentil mixture to bowl.
- Meanwhile, whisk vinegar, mustard and sugar in small bowl to blend; set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add kielbasa and sauté until brown, about 5 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels. Cover to keep warm.
- Pour off any fat from skillet and discard. Add remaining 1/2 cup oil to skillet; heat over medium heat. Add garlic and stir until golden, about 2 minutes. Discard garlic. Add fennel bulb to skillet and sauté until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Add green onions and stir 1 minute. Whisk in vinegar mixture and bring to boil. Pour fennel mixture over lentils. Toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
- Line large shallow bowl with frisée leaves. Spoon in lentil salad. Arrange kielbasa slices atop lentils. Sprinkle with chopped fennel fronds and serve.
KIELBASA SUMMER SALAD
The unexpected combination of flavors and textures in this cool salad sparks taste buds. It can be a main course for a luncheon or a side dish at a dinner or a barbecue. I've gotten many compliments sharing it as a potluck dish. -Sara Primarolo, Sanquoit, New York
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 15m
Yield 10 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a nonstick skillet, brown sausage. Drain on paper towels. In a large bowl, combine peas, apples, green pepper, onions and sausage. , In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients. Pour over sausage mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
Nutrition Facts :
Tips:
- Choose high-quality lentils: Use dried lentils that are whole, plump, and free of debris. Different varieties of lentils have different textures and cooking times, so choose one that is suitable for your recipe.
- Soak the lentils: Soaking the lentils before cooking helps to reduce their cooking time and makes them easier to digest. Cover the lentils with water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- Rinse the lentils: Before cooking, rinse the lentils thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Use a flavorful cooking liquid: The cooking liquid you use for the lentils will greatly impact the flavor of the salad. Use a flavorful broth or stock, such as chicken broth, vegetable broth, or beef broth.
- Add vegetables to the salad: Vegetables add color, texture, and nutrients to the salad. Some good choices include diced carrots, celery, onion, bell pepper, and cucumber.
- Use a variety of herbs and spices: Herbs and spices add flavor and depth to the salad. Some good choices include thyme, rosemary, oregano, cumin, and chili powder.
- Don't overcook the lentils: Lentils should be cooked until they are tender but still hold their shape. Overcooked lentils will become mushy.
- Let the salad cool before serving: The salad is best served cold, so let it cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Conclusion:
Lentil and kielbasa salad is a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, and it is also a good source of iron and potassium. The salad is easy to make and can be tailored to your own personal preferences. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a tasty and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.
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