Saturday, February 27, 2010

The Strangely Delicious Apple Lentil Salad

I am inevitably attracted to strange recipes. Some of them turn out to be keepers (like the rusks) and some are just. . .strange. But this Apple Lentil Salad is actually popular. I did take a picture, but I know it looks. . . .strange. Does anything with legumes photograph well? But really, everyone who has eaten this salad loves it, so I'm sharing it with you.



Apple Lentil Salad (from Simply in Season with very minor tweaks)

Cook and cool:
2 potatoes, chopped (peeling optional - I don't peel)

Soak in hot water for 15 minutes:
1 c. lentils

In large pan, heat 1/4 cup olive oil.
Add and heat until bubbly:
2 Tbs. curry powder
1 tsp. salt

Add drained lentils and fry briefly.
Add 1 3/4 c. water and cook lentils until tender. Cool, keeping liquid.

Combine:
1-2 tart apples, chopped
1/4 c. lemon juice or cider vinegar

Combine lentils with apples and potatoes and add:
1 small onion, minced
handful fresh parsley, chopped

Serve at room temperature. Can be made ahead and keeps well. Delicious served with toasted bread and cheese.
at

8 comments:

  1. Christian - Modobject@HomeMarch 1, 2010 at 9:18 AM

    How long do you soak the lentils?

    I think I would like this recipe very much. I love that you served it as a main dish -- with the lentils that is plenty of protein. A satisfying, thrifty, simple meal.

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  2. MargoMarch 1, 2010 at 12:43 PM

    Christian - 15 minutes (I updated the recipe to include that). I agree with you about the protein!

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  3. CrystalMarch 3, 2010 at 3:19 PM

    I had the same reaction you did, I was skeptical about how it would go over and everyone enjoyed it. I really liked the sweet and savory combination.

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  4. MelanieMarch 7, 2010 at 4:58 PM

    We've had this as a main dish before, too. I admit that I was a bit skeptical before we tried it, but it was one of those "what can I make with what I have in the pantry *right now* moments, and so we tried it. And really liked it!

    Actually, I use "Simply in Season" more than any other cookbook I own, and have found that all the strange-sounding recipes we've ever tried from within its pages, we love. Like Sweet Potato Black Bean Burritos or Sweet Potato Quesadillas. They sound weird, but are among our favorites!

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  5. MargoMarch 7, 2010 at 9:13 PM

    Melanie, I tried the burritos, but I don't think I was impressed. But if you liked them, I really want to try again. Sweet potatoes are plentiful at market right now!

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  6. MeredithMarch 9, 2010 at 9:04 AM

    After years of reading frugal blogs, I agree--nothing made with lentils photographs well!

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  7. AnonymousNovember 13, 2010 at 5:37 PM

    has anyone ever tried this with sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes? would that be weird? haha. we have tried and regular version and LOVE IT.

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  8. MargoJanuary 24, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    Absolutely you should try it with sweet potatoes. Let me know how it turns out.

    ReplyDelete

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