LENTIL AND HERB SALAD WITH ROASTED PEPPERS AND FETA

Lentil and Herb Salad With Roasted Peppers and Feta image

A delicious salad that works equally well warm or at room temperature.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories appetizer

Time 40m

Yield Serves 6 generously

Number Of Ingredients 12

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Ingredients

2 cups / 14 ounces green, brown or black lentils, rinsed and picked over6 cups water
1 small or 1/2 large onion, cut in half
3 to 4 garlic cloves (to taste), minced
1 bay leaf
Salt to taste
1/4 cup red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup broth from the lentils
2 roasted red peppers peeled, seeded sliced in 2-inch long julienne
1 cup chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, mint, dill, oregano (any combination)
Freshly ground pepper
3 ounces feta, crumbled

Steps:

In a medium size pot, combine lentils, water, onion, bay leaf and 2 of the garlic cloves. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add salt to taste, cover, reduce heat to low and simmer 25 minutes, until lentils are cooked through but still have some texture. They should not be mushy. Taste and adjust salt. Using tongs, remove onion and bay leaf.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl or measuring cup, mix together vinegar, remaining garlic, salt to taste, and olive oil. Set aside.
Place a strainer over a bowl and carefully drain lentils. Transfer lentils to a bowl. Measure out 1/4 cup of the broth and whisk it into the dressing, then toss dressing with the lentils. Stir in roasted pepper strips and allow to cool if desired. Taste and adjust salt. Shortly before serving stir in fresh herbs, pepper, and feta.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 433, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 53 grams, Fat 16 grams, Fiber 9 grams, Protein 21 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 412 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams