Many consider Le Puy lentils the best lentils in the world for their unique flavor and ability to hold their shape after cooking without getting soggy. You can read more about Le Puy lentils here, but regardless of the type of lentils you choose, a lentil salad, cold or warm, is a satisfying and nutritious dish. This recipe idea is simple: cook lentils, toss with vinaigrette, and add a few other simple ingredients. Here, I'll share a recipe idea for a warm lentil salad with bacon, but you can modify it to suit your preferences.
1 cup of green lentils
4 slices of bacon, cut into small pieces
Vinaigrette: olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt & pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped
Optional:
Bay leaf
1 small onion, diced
1 carrot, diced
Thyme
Rinse the lentils under cold water.
Put the lentils in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Add optional bay leaf.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Drain the lentils and put them in a bowl. Remove the bay leaf.
Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook over medium heat until just done. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
In the same pan used to cook the bacon, sautée the carrots over medium heat until they start to get tender, then add the onions and sauté together until softened.
Add the onions, carrots, parsley, and bacon to the lentils.
Make your vinaigrette and add to the lentils to taste. If you have extra, that's great. You'll use it during the week.
Mix the salad well and serve warm, or store in the fridge to let the flavors blend and warm before serving.
Add some fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
You can cook the bacon and onion when the lentils are simmering, or cook the lentils ahead of time and add the other ingredients later. Cooking in stages like this makes cooking more manageable, and a dish like this one tastes even better the next day.
Serving Ideas:
Serve lentil salads as a light lunch with a green salad — perfect for your packed lunch — for picnics, parties, or a side dish.
