Spicy Lentil Salad With Avocado Recipes

LENTIL AVOCADO SALAD

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium heat. Add the celery, carrots and onions, and sweat for 5 minutes while stirring. Add the lentils and cover with 2 inches of water. Stir in the bay leaf and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes. Drain and season with salt and pepper. Discard the bay leaf and cool.
• While the lentils are cooking, make the vinaigrette. Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, agave, red pepper, lemon juice and zest and some salt and pepper. Slowly stream in 3 tablespoons oil while continuously whisking. Pour the vinaigrette over the cooled lentils then fold in the diced avocado and cranberries. Pour into a bowl, garnish with the chopped parsley and serve.

CUBAN LENTIL SALAD WITH SPICY VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a large pot, bring the water to a boil and add the salt. Add the lentils, reduce the heat to low, and cook covered for 30 minutes. The lentils should be tender but not mushy. Take care not to overcook them or they can fall apart. While the lentils are cooking, in a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium low heat. Add the garlic and cook gently for 5 to 6 minutes, or until softened and just slightly golden. Do not allow to brown. Remove from the heat and add the cumin, coriander, cayenne, and salt. Stir in the vinegar and then transfer the mixture to a large serving bowl. Drain the lentils in a colander, and immediately transfer them to the bowl. Toss together until the lentils are evenly coated with the dressing, then drizzle the remaining 4 tablespoons of olive oil over the top and toss again just to mix. Cool to room temperature, stir in the scallions and jicama, and serve immediately, or refrigerate for 1 or 2 hours, to allow the flavors to marry. Garnish with sprigs of parsley and lemon wedges.

SPICY RED LENTIL SALAD WITH PICKLED VEGETABLES

Steps:

• For the lentils: Set a large saucepan over high heat. Add the lentils and toast in the dry pan until they just turn in color a little (this will give the finished lentils a little texture), 20 to 30 seconds. Add 3 1/2 cups water, the cumin, red pepper flakes, bay leaf and some salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the lentils are tender and all the liquid has been absorbed, about 12 minutes. Pour the lentils out onto a flat platter in a thin layer so they cool faster and don't get too soft. Cool in the refrigerator for 5 minutes.
• For the salad: Drain the giardiniera, reserving 1 tablespoon of the pickling juice, and roughly chop. Wash the arugula and dry well.
• For the vinaigrette: In a large mixing bowl, make a quick vinaigrette by combining the reserved pickling juice with the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, and some salt and pepper. While whisking, add the olive oil to emulsify.
• Assemble the salad in a large bowl by folding the giardiniera in with the lentils. Dress lightly with the vinaigrette and serve immediately over the arugula.

WARM AVOCADO SALAD WITH SPICY CHORIZO

Steps:

• Heat 2 tbsp of the oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Fry the ciabatta for 8-10 minutes, tossing occasionally, until starting to crisp and brown, then tip into a large salad bowl.
• Lay the chorizo in the pan and dry-fry for 2 minutes until it gives out a red oil. Toss in the tomatoes and cook over a high heat for 1-2 minutes until they start to soften. Drizzle over the vinegar, add the sugar and season well.
• MIX TOGETHER Gently toss the avocado, salad and remaining olive oil with the croutons. Spoon over the chorizo and tomatoes and drizzle with any pan juices. Serve immediately.