LENTIL AND CARROT SALAD WITH MIDDLE EASTERN SPICES

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Lentil and Carrot Salad With Middle Eastern Spices image

I combined two of my favorite Mediterranean salads to stretch the cup of lentils I had in my pantry. Take care not to overcook the lentils; they should be slightly al dente. They go quickly from al dente to mushy, so make sure to check after 25 minutes.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     dinner, lunch, salads and dressings, main course, side dish

Time 45m

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup brown or green lentils, washed and picked over
1 bay leaf
Salt to taste
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 to 3 large garlic cloves (to taste), minced
1 teaspoon cumin seeds, lightly toasted and ground
3/4 teaspoon coriander seeds, ground
1/4 teaspoon cardamom seeds, ground
3/4 pound carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Freshly ground pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • Place the lentils in a medium saucepan, cover by 1 inch with water, add the bay leaf and bring to a boil. Add salt to taste, reduce the heat and cook just until the lentils are al dente, about 25 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, combine 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and the garlic in a small frying pan or saucepan over medium heat. When the garlic begins to sizzle, add the spices. Stir together for about 30 seconds, then remove from the heat and transfer to a large bowl.
  • While the lentils are simmering, steam the carrots for 8 to 10 minutes, until tender. Remove from the heat and transfer to the bowl with the garlic and spices. Add the lemon juice and salt to taste and toss together.
  • When the lentils are cooked al dente, set a strainer over a bowl, drain the lentils and toss at once with the carrots. If desired, add some of the broth to moisten. Add cilantro and another tablespoon of olive oil and toss together. Add freshly ground pepper, taste and adjust salt. Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 243, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 27 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 9 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 248 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams

Nicole Thomas
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I'm allergic to carrots, so I used parsnips instead. It was a great substitute!


Mushfik Khan
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I didn't have any walnuts on hand, so I used pecans instead. It was still delicious!


Efosa Michael
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This salad is not as good as I thought it would be. I was expecting something more flavorful.


Brittany Quito
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I'm not sure what went wrong, but my salad turned out really mushy. I think I overcooked the lentils.


Misty Meye
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This salad is a bit too expensive to make on a regular basis. I would only make it for special occasions.


Husna Mubarak
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The dressing is a bit too oily for my taste. I would use less olive oil next time.


faizullah khosty
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I found the lentils to be a bit too al dente for my liking. I would cook them for a few minutes longer next time.


Eladio Cosme
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This salad is a bit bland for my taste. I would add more spices next time.


maheshika sewwandi
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I added a handful of chopped cilantro to this salad and it was amazing. Highly recommend!


Sophie Bailey
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I'm not a huge fan of cumin, so I used a little less than the recipe called for. It was still delicious!


Yancarlos Garcia
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This is a great salad to serve at a potluck or party. It's always a crowd-pleaser.


Zaiden Fry
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This salad is so easy to make, even a beginner cook can handle it.


Emranulhaq Sohel
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I love the pop of color that the carrots add to this salad.


lamonah millin
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This salad is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. It's packed with lentils, carrots, and other healthy ingredients.


jamal jani
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I'm not a huge fan of lentils, but I really enjoyed this salad. The flavors are so well-balanced and the dressing is delicious.


Blessing Owoeye
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This is a great salad to make ahead of time. It keeps well in the refrigerator for several days, so it's perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.


Samir c. Thapa
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I love the versatility of this salad. You can add or subtract ingredients to suit your own taste. I often add chopped cucumber or bell pepper for a bit of extra crunch.


Edema Ismail
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This salad is a great way to use up leftover lentils. I usually make a big batch of lentils on the weekend and then use them in salads, soups, and stews throughout the week.


Muskan Tiwari
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I've made this salad several times now and it's always a hit with my family and friends. It's so easy to make and it's always delicious. I love that it's a healthy and flavorful dish that I can feel good about serving.


Keeks
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This lentil and carrot salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The lentils add a hearty bite, the carrots provide a sweet crunch, and the Middle Eastern spices give it a warm and savory flavor. I especially love the addition of the toast