Some say lentils are the world’s healthiest food! They are an excellent source of folate, as well as a very good source of dietary fiber, copper, phosphorus and manganese. Additionally they are a good source of iron, protein, vitamin B1, pantothenic acid, zinc, potassium and vitamin B6. In short, lentils should be considered a super food! And they are cheap, even if you buy organic. I buy my lentils and beans in bulk, dry, as that’s the cheapest, and without any unnecessary packaging. If you have trouble digesting lentils, then try adding some savory while cooking your lentils or beans. This salad is excellent for a hot summer day or as a side dish to your vegan BBQ.
Ingredients (about 4 servings)
- 1,5 cup of brown and blond lentils, 300g (or green or Du Puy, or Beluga, ..)
- 1 cucumber
- 1 red Bell pepper
- 1 yellow Bell pepper
- 4 carrots
- Greens (lettuce, purslane, rocket, …)
- Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, coriander, …)
- Capers (optional)
- Olive oil (at least 3 tbsp)
- Lemon or lime juice (1 lemon)
- 0.5 tsp pomegranate molasses (optional)
- Some sunflower and / or pumpkin seeds (optional)
- 1 tsp mustard (Dijon)
- 1 tsp savory
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt & pepper
Preparation
- Rinse the lentils.
- Put the lentils in a cooking pot with plenty of cold water, bring to boil and let simmer for about 20 minutes, or until perfectly cooked (taste). Add some savory if you have trouble digesting lentils.
Don’t add salt while cooking (this prolongs the cooking time). - Wash (scrub) the veggies. Cut in small same size bits (except the carrots) & grate the carrots.
- Make the salad dressing: mix the tablespoons olive oil with mustard, lemon juice, some black pepper and Cayenne pepper (optional: add the pomegranate molasses).
- When cooked: directly rinse the lentils with cold water in a sieve.
- Put the lentils in a large bowl, add the veggies and the salad dressing. Mix well.
- Optional: add capers and roasted sunflower and/ or pumpkin seeds.
- Add salt & pepper to taste.
This salad is delicious warm, lukewarm & cold. Enjoy!
TIP: you can add some lettuce, purslane or rocket as well as fresh herbs (parsley, coriander, basil, …).
Sources: WH Food, Healthalicousness, Lentils.org
This Summer I won’t teach many public classes due to other obligations & holidays.
Tues 13 June: 7-8:30PM at 
The traditional Open Doors Day to start the summer season!
