Thrifty Tasty Healthy – Summer Lentil Salad

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When it comes to thrifty ingredients, lentils are generally at the top of the list. But other than lentil soup, most people don’t really know what to do with these little round legumes. I once had a lentil tacos at my friend Sarah’s house and it opened my eyes to the endless possibilities lentil cookery. These tacos were some of the best I’ve ever had. Shortly after that sudden culinary revelation, lentils became a more regular component of my diet. This lentil salad is a great way to get acquainted with lentils. It is also one of my favorite way to prepare this legume. It’s easy, healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients

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1 cup of lentils
4 cups of water
1 carrot
1 shallot or small red onion
1 clove of garlic
1 lime (zest and juice)
1 teaspoon of ground cumin (optional)
3 tablespoons of olive oil
Cilantro
Salt

Wash the lentils and cook them in 4 cups of water until tender (approximately 25 minutes). While the lentils are cooking, wash and peel the carrot and the shallot (or onion). Finely dice them. Then, chop the cilantro and grate the garlic.

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Drain the lentils and transfer them into a salad bowl. Add the diced veggies, garlic, lime zest and juice, olive oil and cumin. Mix it all up and salt to taste. Serve either warm or chilled.

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