Moroccan Puy Lentil Salad Recipes

Steps:

• In a small saucepan simmer lentils in water to cover by 2 inches until tender but not falling apart, 15 to 20 minutes, and drain well.
• Transfer hot lentils to a bowl and stir in 1 tablespoon vinegar and salt and pepper to taste.
• Cool lentils completely, stirring occasionally.
• In a saucepan bring water to a boil and add couscous and salt.
• Remove pan from heat and let couscous stand, covered, 5 minutes.
• Fluff couscous with a fork and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon oil and cool completely, stirring occasionally.
• In a small bowl whisk together garlic paste, remaining 2 tablespoons vinegar, remaining 3 tablespoons oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Stir lentils and dressing into couscous. Chill salad, covered, at least 3 hours and up to 24.
• Just before serving, stir in remaining ingredients and season with salt and pepper.

Steps:

• Pick over lentils to remove any stones and rinse well.
• Stick one onion half with the cloves.
• In a large saucepan, combine water, lentils and the onion stuck with the cloves.
• Bring to a boil over medium heat.
• Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until the lentils are tender, about 20 minutes.
• Discard onion.
• Drain lentils and let cool slightly.
• In a bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, mint, cumin, coriander, salt and garlic.
• Add lentils and toss to mix.
• Finely chop the remaining onion half and add to the lentils along with the roasted peppers.
• Chill at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
• Serve at room temperature or chilled.

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.