GREEN LENTIL AND BACON SALAD

Green Lentil and Bacon Salad image

Yield Makes 12 (side-dish) servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 slices thick-cut bacon, coarsely chopped
1 small onion, diced
6 cups water
1 3/4-pound smoked ham hock
1 pound French green lentils, rinsed, drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
4 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1/2 cup walnut oil or olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped celery

Steps:

Cook bacon in heavy large saucepan over medium heat until brown and crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. Add onion to drippings in saucepan; sauté until very tender, about 15 minutes. Add 6 cups water, ham hock, lentils, 1/4 cup parsley, and 2 teaspoons thyme. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until lentils are tender, about 30 minutes. Using tongs, transfer ham hock to work surface. Drain lentils. Cool ham hock and lentils. Cut ham from bone; dice. Transfer ham to large bowl.
Whisk walnut oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard in small bowl to blend. Transfer lentils to large bowl with ham. Add dressing, red onion, celery, bacon, remaining 1/4 cup parsley, and remaining 2 teaspoons thyme. Toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve at room temperature.