Why French Lentils Are the Secret to Delicious Salads

3 min

You’ve got to try this vibrant French lentil salad! It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that can change your salad game forever.

Discovering the Magic of French Lentils

When it comes to salads, I often find myself in a culinary rut, gravitating toward the same old ingredients. But recently, French lentils changed everything for me. These small, dark green beauties pack a flavorful punch and add a wonderful texture that transforms any salad into something special. Their unique ability to hold their shape even after cooking is what makes them perfect for warm or cold salads alike. Picture this: you prepare a salad that’s both vibrant and hearty, ready in just 30 minutes!

A Chef’s Touch: Karyn Tomlinson’s Inspiration

I first stumbled upon this gem of a recipe from chef Karyn Tomlinson at Myriel in St. Paul, Minnesota, who recently won accolades for her innovative approach to comfort food. Her use of French lentils, which have a slightly peppery finish, intrigued me. These lentils are not just any legumes; they are robust enough to withstand long cooking times without turning mushy, making them ideal for salads like her signature dish featuring kale and roasted red peppers.

  • Kale: adds earthiness and color.
  • Roasted Red Peppers: introduce sweetness and smokiness.
  • Goat Cheese: brings creaminess and tang.

These ingredients dance together beautifully, creating a medley of flavors that’s hard to resist!

The Science Behind the Ingredients

So what exactly makes French lentils so special? Unlike their brown or red counterparts that tend to fall apart during cooking, these little gems maintain their integrity. Known as Puy lentils (after the region in France where they’re grown), they are celebrated not only for their texture but also for their nutritional value.

As I explored further into their classification—brown/green, red/yellow, and specialty types—I realized how versatile lentils can be beyond salads; they shine in soups too! For instance, I whipped up a delightful French vegetable lentil soup recently that left my guests raving about its depth of flavor.

Creating My Own French Lentil Salad

Inspired by Karyn’s recipe, I decided to experiment with my own twist on this French lentil salad. Here’s how I made it:

Ingredients:

  • 2 1⁄2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup dried French lentils
  • 1 tablespoon salt (divided)
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon minced shallot
  • 1⁄8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley and dill (chopped)
  • Kale (about 6 cups)
  • Roasted red peppers (2⁄3 cup)
  • Crumbled goat cheese (4 ounces)

Instructions:

  1. Bring broth, lentils, and 2 teaspoons of salt to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
  2. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer until tender—about 25 minutes.
  3. While the lentils cook, whisk together lemon juice, shallot, black pepper, and remaining salt in a bowl. Gradually whisk in olive oil until combined.
  4. Toast mustard seeds over medium heat until they start popping—this took about 2 minutes for me!
  5. Add kale to the cooked lentils while still warm; stir until wilted.
  6. Drain excess liquid from the mixture; combine with vinaigrette and top with roasted peppers and goat cheese!

I paired this gorgeous salad with a light-bodied Pinot Noir, which complemented the sweet and smoky flavors perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lentil Salads

Why are French lentils better for salads?

French lentils maintain their shape better than other varieties after cooking due to their dense structure.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare all components in advance—just toss everything together right before serving!

What other ingredients can I add?

Feel free to mix in seasonal veggies or grains like quinoa for added texture!

Creating this flavorful dish has not only elevated my kitchen adventures but also opened my eyes to the endless possibilities within plant-based meals.

Photo by Jeswin Thomas on Unsplash

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