WARM LENTIL SALAD WITH BALSAMIC ROAST SQUASH

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Warm Lentil Salad With Balsamic Roast Squash image

This recipe started out as something else. I had in my pantry a bag of mixed sprouted lentils - black, green, and brown. I cooked them with the intention of making dal, but I so liked the integrity of the cooked lentils - green and black lentils remain intact even after they soften - that I didn't want to mash them. Meanwhile I had roasted some squash with balsamic vinegar. I ended up warming the lentils in a cumin-scented vinaigrette and serving them with the squash.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     dinner, weekday, main course

Time 2h30m

Yield Serves 4 to 6

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 pounds kabocha or butternut squash, peeled and cut in small dice (about 3 cups peeled and diced, weighing 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds), or 1 large acorn squash, cut in half (If using acorn squash, place in a 425 degree oven for 20 minutes before cutting in
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons if using acorn squash)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 cup black lentils (also known as beluga lentils), green Le Puy lentils, or a mixture, rinsed
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 onion (intact)
1 quart water
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, ground
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon walnut oil
1/4 cup chopped or slivered flat leaf parsley

Steps:

  • Combine the lentils, ginger, turmeric, onion, water, and salt to taste in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook at a moderate bubble until the lentils have softened and produced a flavorful broth, about 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the heat. Remove the onion and discard. Place a strainer over a bowl and drain the lentils.
  • Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil. If using cut up squash, place in a bowl or directly on the baking sheet and toss with salt to taste, the balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Spread on the baking sheet in an even layer and make sure to tip all of the liquid remaining in the bowl over the squash. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes so that the squash browns evenly. The squash should be tender all the way through. Remove from the heat. If using acorn squash, spoon a tablespoon of the balsamic vinegar into both cavities, season with salt, brush with olive oil, and place cut side up on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake 40 to 50 minutes, basting every 10 minutes, until thoroughly tender. Remove from the heat and when cool enough to handle remove the skin and cut the squash into dice.
  • In a small bowl or measuring cup whisk together the vinegars, mustard, salt and pepper, olive oil, and walnut oil. Toss with the lentils and return to the saucepan. Add a few tablespoons of the lentil broth, stir in the parsley and heat through.
  • Place the squash in the middle of a wide bowl or serving platter, surround with the lentil salad and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 295, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 41 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 10 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 870 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Muhammad Imran Haider
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I love this salad! It's so easy to make and it's always a hit with my family and friends. The lentils and squash are always cooked perfectly and the balsamic glaze is the perfect finishing touch.


CRAZY GAN
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This salad is a great way to use up leftover lentils and squash. It's also a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. The balsamic glaze is a nice touch that adds a bit of sweetness.


Shabbir Ali
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I made this salad for a potluck and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved the combination of flavors and textures. I will definitely be making this again.


Adeoye Adegoke
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This salad is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. It's also a great source of protein and fiber. The balsamic glaze adds a nice touch of sweetness and acidity.


jitu bekele
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I love this salad! It's so easy to make and it's always a hit with my family and friends. The lentils and squash are always cooked perfectly and the balsamic glaze is the perfect finishing touch.


John Moses
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This salad is a great way to use up leftover lentils and squash. It's also a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. The balsamic glaze is a nice touch that adds a bit of sweetness.


Hattie Spears
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I made this salad for a potluck and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved the combination of flavors and textures. I will definitely be making this again.


James Anthony
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This salad is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. It's also a great source of protein and fiber. The balsamic glaze adds a nice touch of sweetness and acidity.


Rdv Mahmudul Hasan
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I love this salad! It's so easy to make and it's always a hit with my family and friends. The lentils and squash are always cooked perfectly and the balsamic glaze is the perfect finishing touch.


Yuliza beep
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This salad is a great way to use up leftover lentils and squash. It's also a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. The balsamic glaze is a nice touch that adds a bit of sweetness.


Alana Griffiths
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I made this salad for lunch and it was the perfect light and healthy meal. The lentils and squash are very filling and the balsamic glaze adds a nice flavor. I will definitely be making this again.


Tammy Hebert
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This salad is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. It's packed with lentils, squash, and spinach. The balsamic glaze adds a nice touch of sweetness and acidity.


Mahar Shan
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I'm not a huge fan of lentils, but I really enjoyed this salad. The squash and balsamic glaze really helped to balance out the flavor of the lentils. I would definitely make this again.


Ansar Ali Gujjar
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This salad is so flavorful and satisfying. The lentils are hearty and filling, the squash is sweet and tender, and the balsamic glaze adds a nice tang. I love that it's a warm salad, which makes it perfect for a cold day.


Saleh Bai
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I love this salad! It's healthy, delicious, and easy to make. I especially appreciate the fact that it's a one-pot meal. I can just throw everything in the pot and walk away. It's perfect for busy weeknights.


MD Fazlo
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This recipe is a keeper! It's easy to follow and the results are amazing. The lentils and squash are cooked perfectly and the balsamic glaze is the perfect finishing touch. I'm already planning on making this again next week.


Sam Boss
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I made this salad for a potluck and it was a huge hit! Everyone raved about the flavors and how well the ingredients complemented each other. I will definitely be making this again.


LINDOKUHLE HAMILTON
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This warm lentil salad with balsamic roast squash is an absolute delight! The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. The lentils are tender and flavorful, the squash is roasted to perfection, and the balsamic glaze adds a touch o