Wednesday, May 12, 2010

French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese


As summer approaches I'm on the lookout for new and different salads for the many barbecues and picnic that are ahead.  I look for recipes that can be made in advance, go well with grilled meats, and are alternatives to traditional mayonnaise based salads like potato and macaroni.  Sam, at My Carolina Kitchen, posted this recipe a few months ago and I knew immediately it would be one that fit the bill.  If you visit Sam you will see wonderful photos of her visit to Fontaine de Vaucluse in Provence.  Sam used French Lentiles du Puy, which I couldn't find so I bought bulk French green lentils at Whole Foods and they were delicious.

Despite the light dressing this is a hearty salad and would be lovely as a meatless entree on those busy days when we don't fire up the grill.  I thought it was marvelous the next day after the flavors had a chance to blend.  I doubled the amount of dressing so that I could drizzle a little extra over the salad when I served it later.

French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese...from My Carolina Kitchen and adapted from a recipe by David Lebovitz

1-1/4 cups lentils
1 dried bay leaf
Kosher salt
Best quality extra-virgin olive oil
1 large carrot, peeled and roughly chopped
1 small red onion, peeled and chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
4 - 5 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 tableslpoon sherry vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small shallot, peeled and minced
Crumbled goat cheese

Rinse the lentils well and remove any stones.  Transfer the lentils to a large saucepan and cover with lots of water, at least 3-4 inches.  Add the bay leaf.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat, add a bit of salt, and simmer for 15-25 minutes, until the lentils are tender, adding more water if necessary.  I suggest testing them after 15 minutes and if they aren't done, continue to taste every five minutes until they are still a little crunchy but taste done.  Do not overcook them or they will become mushy when you dress them.

While the lentils are cooking, heat a few spoonfuls of olive oil in a skillet and add the carrot and onions.  sprinkle with salt, pepper and thyme.  Cook, stirring frequently, until tender.  Set aside and remove bay leaf.

In a small jar with tight fitting lid, make a vinaigrette by adding the vinegar, oil, mustard and shallot, then shake well to emulsify and set aside.  When the lentils are done, drain them well, and toss them with the vinaigrette, the cooked vegetables and the parsley.  Taste and season with salt and pepper and olive oil as needed.  Serve warm or at room temperature on baby lettuce and top with crumbled goat cheese.



I hope you will try this wonderful salad.
I'm sure you will like it as much as I do.



28 comments:

  1. That looks so good Cathy. I went to a luncheon honoring Mothers on Monday and had a lovely cold salad made with blanched sugar snap peas, goat cheese, and a few other ingredients I can't seem to recall right now. But it was so delicious!

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  2. It's beautiful. I can see that it would be a salad to carry to events.

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  3. This looks and sounds delicious. I am also always looking for different types of salads to bring to barbecues and even just to make at home, and I cannot believe how many great ones I am coming across on blogs including yours. Thanks!

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  4. I'm crazy about lentils, so this looks great to me. You and Sam are both such great cooks, Cathy!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  5. Cathy, I'm flattered and pleased that you liked the lentil salad and thank you for the link to my blog. You're absolutely right - it would be great for meatless Monday.
    Sam

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  6. Lentil soup is a favorite, but I've never eaten them another way, may have to give this a try.

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  7. This looks wonderful Cathy! I sometimes cheat and buy French Green lentil already cooked at Trader Joe's they are actually from France, they make a great quick salad I often have for lunch.

    I will give this recipe a try very soon!

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  8. Cathy, I just asked Mike if he would like this, and he said it sounds good. Now you can rest easy! LOL..
    I don't eat beans or peas, but he loves them. I will make it for him. Better still, I'll print the recipe and he can make it himself! :)
    Rainy and in the 40's ..not very Mayish!

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  9. Looks yummy Cathy! Love lentils too!

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  10. This looks delicious, Cathy. Sam's recipes are always good. Better still they always work :-). I hope you are having a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  11. Every time I click on your blog, the name brings a smile to my face. So does this recipe. We love all the ingredients. One more for the summer salad file. I just picked up French lentils at Whole Foods.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  12. delicious, beautiful AND good for you. This one looks like a winner for sure! I can't wait to make it.

    Lots of yummy love,
    Alex aka Ma What's For Dinner
    www.mawhats4dinner.com

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  13. Love this salad. I need to use lentils more often!

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  14. Thanks for the heads up on this lovely and yummy looking salad. I am bookmarking it! I too need to find some side dishes for the summer. Joni

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  15. This is such a great recipe! I make a version like it every yeas, always with a bit of herbes de Provence tossed in.
    Perfect for picnics, by the way.

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  16. I LOVE lentils and make them often- this is going on my to-do list!
    xoxo Pattie

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  17. I've never cooked lentils and would love to try one day!

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  18. What a fantastic salad! The goat cheese must add such a great flavor to the lentils.

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  19. This sounds fantastic! It is like a salad version of the Lentil and Bulgur soup I made last night. This time of year it's good to have both a soup and salad alternative. You never know what mood the weather might bring.

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  20. Love goat cheese! Always looking for good salads too...now I can just come to your blog!

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  21. I've made this salad and I love the different textures and flavors from the vegetables. This is a terrific salad.

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  22. Nice healthy looking salad. The idea of including sauteed onions and raw shallots is interesting. Thanks!

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  23. Ive only used lentils for soup, now I want to, no need to try this salad, it looks fantastic and sounds so inviting.. delicious!

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  24. Super healthy and excellent recipe, love this!

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  25. It's so colorful. Love you square plate!

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  26. I love lentils and I love goat cheese, so this will definitely feature in a barbecue here soon. I like anything that tastes better the day after!

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  27. Looks delicious...I have made this salad before, but used smoked sausage instead of the cheese. I'll have to try it!

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  28. Hi Cathy,
    Your blog is just amazing. I loved it and I will come back!!!
    XXXX
    Lia.

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Thanks so much for visiting. I hope you enjoyed my blog and will leave a comment or two. And come back again of course ~ Cathy