Lentils capture flavours beautifully in recipes. The combination of fresh herbs and the zip of lemon make it a delicious side dish to grilled meats.
Tips
- If you’re making extras, this recipe can be refrigerated for several days and flavoured up to suit any meal.
- To soak or not to soak is always the question. The beauty of using French lentils is that, unlike peas and legumes, they hold their shape, even after cooking. Avoid adding seasonings such as salt or acids (like lemon juice) until lentils are cooked.
Savoury French Lentils with Roasted Tomatoes and Confetti Vegetables
Ingredients
- 4 Roma tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp (30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1/4 tsp (1 mL) sea salt
- 1 cup (250 mL) dried black beluga or Le Puy lentils
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) rice vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed and minced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) soft goat cheese or ricotta, crumbled
- 2 Tbsp (30 mL) toasted pine nuts
- 2 Tbsp (30 mL) rice vinegar, plus extra
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) finely chopped fresh dill
- 2 tsp (10 mL) honey
- 1/2 tsp (2 mL) lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp (1 mL) sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Nutrition
Per serving:
- calories357
- protein17g
- fat16g
- saturated fat3g
- trans fat0g
- carbohydrates38g
- sugars5g
- fibre8g
- sodium341mg
Directions
01
Preheat oven to 275 F (135 C).
02
Cut tomatoes into quarters and place skin-side down on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 Tbsp (15 mL) oil and lightly season with salt. Place in preheated oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until as dried as you like.
03
While tomatoes are roasting, place lentils in medium saucepan, cover with 4 cups (1 L) water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until lentils are tender to the bite, about 25 minutes. Drain in fine-mesh sieve and transfer to large bowl.
04
In saucepan, heat 1 Tbsp (15 mL) oil. Add onion and sauteu0301 until soft and almost clear. Splash with rice vinegar. Add garlic, yellow pepper, and zucchini. Continue to sauteu0301 until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
05
To make dressing, in small bowl, combine ingredients. Briskly stir to blend. Toss with vegetables and then spoon over lentils. Scatter with goat cheese or ricotta and pine nuts. Serve warm or at room temperature. Delicious served as a side dish with grilled chicken.
Irene McGuinness is a writer, recipe developer, food stylist for numerous magazines and corporations, and alumna of the Writer’s Studio at Simon Fraser University
