Friday's Fixin's: Lentil Salad

One of my intentions for 2012 is to cook more. I’m happy to say that I am fulfilling that commitment (Silver Lining). As a consequence, we are staying home more, saving $$, cooking with Finally Five…and I’m having FUN!

One of my new favorite recipes is Maili’s Lentil Salad. I’m not usually a lentil fan (they used to make me cringe!), but good grief, THIS recipe is amazing.

The Silver Lining about it is that it can be used by itself, as a side or on to make an entire meal. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Maili’s Lentil Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups lentils or 1 package of Trader Joe’s precooked lentils (love these!).
• 1 bunch of parsley, leaves only
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive extra virgin olive oil (as you all know, I love Lucini)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon Maldon salt (If you use kosher salt, use 1/2 as much)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (which equates to 1 teaspoon)
• 1/2 yellow onion (which equates to 1 cup)

Instructions:

1. In pan, saute onion in 2 tablespoons olive oil. If onions start to cook too fast, add 1/4 cup of water. (Silver Lining: water prevents onion burning)
2. In bowl, mix: parsley, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, red pepper flakes and garlic.
3. Add the lentils. If you’re using the Trader Joe’s brand, be sure to break them up with your hands.
4. Add the sautéed onions and mix well.

Here are some of the Silver-Lined health benefits of lentils:

1. Lentils have load of iron for energy.
2. Lentils tive you energy to burn while stabilizing blood sugar.
3. Lentils are good for cardiac health thanks to their significant amounts of folate and magnesium.
4. Lentils are a fiber rock star.
5. Lentils are a good source of other vitamins and minerals: phosphorus, potassium, and Vitamins B (thiamine), B6, C and E

So, coming from a non-lentil girl, please enjoy these goodies in a new form.