MOROCCAN LENTIL SALAD

MOROCCAN LENTIL SALAD image

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 1/4 cups green lentils, preferably french
1 small onion, sliced in half
3 whole cloves
5 cups water
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried mint
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cloves pressed garlic
1/2 cup chopped roasted red pepper

Steps:

Pick over lentils to remove any stones and rinse well. Stick one onion half with the cloves. In a large saucepan, combine water, lentils and the half onion stuck with the cloves. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until the lentils are tender, about 20 minutes. Discard onion. Drain lentils and let cool slightly. While lentils are cooking: In a small jar, combine lemon juice, olive oil, mint, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt and garlic. Finely chop the remaining onion half and add to the lentils along with the roasted peppers. (Can roast/steam onion with pepper to add sweetness to dish and avoid raw onion.) Chill at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Serve at room temperature or chilled.