Care and Feeding of my Mister - Lentil Salad

I admit when summer rolls around it's hard to focus on the projects I want to work on in my studio. On sunny days I want to stroll on the beach or read lazily on the porch. I don't want to cook much but I still want to eat! This lentil salad cooks quickly and can be eaten hot or cold. Today is a bit cool and grey and calling me to get some quilting done. A perfect day for this salad!

Lentil Salad

1 lb lentils 

2 medium leeks

2 T. olive oil

1/4 c.  moist sun-dried tomatoes 

2 T. chopped parsley

2 c. cooked brown rice

Balsamic Dressing 

1/4 c. balsamic vinegar 

1/2 c. olive oil

1 clove garlic

1/2 tsp. thyme

1/2 tsp. oregano

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. fresh ground pepper 

1. In a fine mesh strainer rinse lentils picking out any stones etc.

2. Put lentils in a small sauce pan, cover with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil then simmer 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender. 

3. Trim the leeks cutting off the root end and keeping 2-3" of the green top. 

4. Slice the leeks in half then place cut side down on your cutting board. Chop into 1/4" half moon slices.

5. Put leeks the fine mesh strainer to rinse off any sand. Drain well.

6. Add 2 T. olive oil to a heated saute pan. Add Leeks, saute and stir on medium heat for 5 minutes or until tender.

7. Chop sun dried tomatoes and parsley. Set aside.

8. Make Balsamic Dressing.

9. In small jar or bowl (I use a pint mason jar with a lid for shaking and storing) add balsamic vinegar, finely chopped garlic, thyme, oregano, salt & pepper. Stir to blend. Whisk olive oil in a steady stream into balsamic/spice blend until combined.  

10. Drain warm lentils, add sun dried tomatoes, leeks and the cooked rice. Stir to combine.

11. Drizzle balsamic dressing on the salad. Note you may not use all of the dressing. Stir and taste to see if you need more. 

12. Garnish with chopped parsley and more salt & pepper if you like. 

 

Eat warm or refrigerate for later. Leave a note for your mister. Quickly head to your studio to quilt! 

 

Happy Quilting and Eating,

Mary