There are moments in life that are marked by the simplest of pleasures – a sunny afternoon, a soft breeze, and the vibrant colors of fresh produce laid out on a kitchen counter. One such afternoon, as I contemplated what to make for a light lunch, I stumbled upon a bag of lentils that had been quietly waiting for their moment to shine. Inspired by the warm sun, I decided to create a dish that was not only nourishing but also bursting with flavors and colors. Thus, the Spiced Lentil and Citrus Salad was born, a delightful mix of earthy lentils, zesty citrus, and aromatic spices that danced on the palate and evoked a sense of joy with every bite.
Ingredients
1 cup green or brown lentils
4 cups vegetable broth
1 orange, segmented
1 grapefruit, segmented
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Feta cheese for topping
Instructions
Begin by rinsing the lentils under cold water to remove any impurities. In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let the lentils simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender but not mushy. Once cooked, drain any excess liquid and set them aside to cool slightly.
While the lentils are cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This blend of spices will add a warm and smoky depth to the salad, perfectly complementing the lentils.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, chopped red onion, cherry tomatoes, orange segments, grapefruit segments, and fresh parsley. Gently toss the ingredients together, allowing the vibrant colors to mix harmoniously.
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the lentil mixture, and toss again to ensure everything is well-coated. The citrus juices will meld with the spices, creating a refreshing and lively flavor profile.
Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to marry. If desired, crumble some feta cheese on top before serving for an added creamy texture that balances the dish beautifully.
This Spiced Lentil and Citrus Salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner. Enjoy the bursts of flavor and the delightful textures, and remember that sometimes the simplest ingredients can create the most memorable meals.