Mediterranean Style Roasted Red Pepper And Lentil Salad Recipes

Steps:

• In a medium size pot, combine lentils, water, onion, bay leaf and 2 of the garlic cloves. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add salt to taste, cover, reduce heat to low and simmer 25 minutes, until lentils are cooked through but still have some texture. They should not be mushy. Taste and adjust salt. Using tongs, remove onion and bay leaf.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl or measuring cup, mix together vinegar, remaining garlic, salt to taste, and olive oil. Set aside.
• Place a strainer over a bowl and carefully drain lentils. Transfer lentils to a bowl. Measure out 1/4 cup of the broth and whisk it into the dressing, then toss dressing with the lentils. Stir in roasted pepper strips and allow to cool if desired. Taste and adjust salt. Shortly before serving stir in fresh herbs, pepper, and feta.

Steps:

• Tip the lentils and peppers into a bowl with the radishes, olives, vinegar and oil, and mix well. Season to taste.
• Separate the lettuce leaves and put onto a large plate. Spoon over the lentil salad and scatter with the feta.

Steps:

• Cook the lentils: Rinse and put in a medium saucepan. Cover with 4 cups water and add bay leaf, thyme sprig and a large pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer gently with lid ajar for 20 to 25 minutes, until lentils are tender. Set pot aside and let cool to room temperature.
• Put the potatoes in another saucepan, cover with water and add a heaping teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to brisk simmer. Cook about 15 minutes, until cooked through when probed with a paring knife. Drain and set aside. (If desired, use a paring knife to remove skins from potatoes while still warm.) Cut in halves or quarters.
• While lentils cook, make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, stir together vinegar and garlic. Season with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk in the oil. Taste and adjust. Stir in oregano.
• Put the cherry tomatoes in a bowl. Drain onion slices, and add to the tomatoes along with roasted pepper strips. Season with salt, then add half the vinaigrette (well whisked). Toss to coat.
• To assemble salad, drain lentils and transfer to a large low, wide bowl or platter and let cool for 10 minutes. Add remaining vinaigrette, sprinkle with a little salt and toss gently. Taste and adjust seasoning.
• Top lentils with tomato-onion-pepper mixture. Arrange anchovy fillets, tuna (if using) and eggs on top. Sprinkle with mint and parsley. Arrange halved or quartered potatoes around the perimeter. Garnish with basil leaves, olives and feta. Sprinkle a pinch of oregano over the salad.

Steps:

• BROIL the bell pepper halves for about 10 minutes or until the skin is blistered and blackened.
• Place the bell peppers in a clean paper bag, seal bag and allow peppers to "sweat" for 10 minutes.
• In the meantime, heat up 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a frying pan and sautè the onion.
• Fry for approximately 5-6 minutes until softened and translucent.
• Remove pan from heat and set aside. Important: *Reserve* olive oil in the pan.
• Next, take the bell peppers out of the paper bag and if cool enough to handle, peel the skins.
• Discard the skins and slice the peppers into thin strips.
• Place the bell peppers, the cooked onions and any remaining olive oil from the pan into a shallow salad bowl.
• Add the crushed garlic and pour on the remaining olive oil.
• Add a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice and season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
• Mix ingredients well, cover and marinate 2-3 hours. Stir the mixture once or twice.
• Finally, garnish the pepper salad with fresh chopped Italian parsley.
• Serve at room temperature and with crusty bread.
• Servings are estimated as a salad.