I made this salad for Easter lunch on Sunday. I imagined it as I went. Or so I thought.
Many people liked it a lot, and one friend in particular complimented me on the originality of the pairing. I graciously accepted the comment, but all the while something in the back of my mind was nagging. Surely I had not really come up with the idea. I must have seen it somewhere. Speaking to my mother on the phone the next day I asked her about this salad. Had she not previously made something similar that might have half-consciously inspired me?
My mother is an incredible cook, and a nutritionist. Not a steamed-carrots-and-brown-rice kind of nutritionist. She loves good food, really good food. Meat, fish, vegetables, salads, desserts, and – yes – butter. She has written a few books about nutrition, one of which is a book of recipes. Sure enough, one of those recipes is a lentil salad with fennel, parsley, and coriander.
This lentil and fennel salad is different, but the inspiration – as it turns out and like so many other things in my life without my realizing it at first – is my mother’s.
***
1 cup green lentils (preferably Castelluccio or du Puy)
1 small red onion
2 bulbs fennel
A generous handful flat-leaved parsley
1 bay leaf
3 Tbsps good olive oil
2 Tbsps balsamic vinegar
Juice and zest from 1 lemon (more lemon juice may be required depending on how juicy it is)
Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
*
The lentils are cooked the same way as for this basic lentils recipe
Pick through the lentils to look for small stone intruders that must be discarded.
To wash lentils, cover with cold water and drain in a fine mesh sieve.
Peel and cut into large chunks the onion and half a fennel, reserving the rest of the fennel for later.
Place lentils into a medium-sized saucepan with 2 cups (double the volume) water. Add vegetable chunks, a few sprigs of parsley, and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil and let simmer, covered, for about 20-25 minutes. Remove from heat when the lentils are cooked to your liking – I like them to retain a nice bite. Discard sprigs of parsley and vegetable chunks, pour lentils into a large bowl, and place in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
*
Wash and finely chop the rest of the parsley.
Cut the fennel in half. Place it face side down onto the cutting board, and cut into thin strips, height-wise.
Season the lentils with the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice and zest, salt, and pepper. **The measurements given above are suggestions. I find that lentils hold up to a bold amount of acidity. It is best to season gradually, and adjust according to taste.**
Toss the lentils with the fennel and parsley. Check one last time for seasoning, adjust if necessary, and serve.
*
Related posts
Dandelion, fennel, and pumpkin seed salad with pumpkin seed oil
Tags: fennel, lentil salad, lentils, salad, savory, spring, vegan, vegetarian
4 May 2011 at 18:57 |
This sounds delicious and looks amazing. Great photos. I cannot wait to try. Thank you for sharing!
9 May 2011 at 11:23 |
Thank you – I hope you like it!
4 May 2011 at 09:41 |
I am always on the search for new ways to use lentils. I will have to experiment with fennel, as you have. Thanks for the idea! Or, thank you to your mother, rather :)
9 May 2011 at 11:22 |
Thank you! I love lentils and I realize they are the most featured food here until now with already four recipes…
1 May 2011 at 18:33 |
Looks amazing! Very nice post too.
2 May 2011 at 11:40 |
Thank you very much!
30 April 2011 at 20:45 |
What a lovely nod to your mom – I feel similarly about mine – so many of the recipes I prepare are in some way inspired by her. This looks like a great dish for spring.
2 May 2011 at 08:15 |
Thank you for your comment. Yes, the salad feels like spring, and I also think it would be nice for a picnic!
28 April 2011 at 15:24 |
Thank you, from my heart, for your dear words. Hugs of love, Maman