How to make Puy lentil, spiced roast carrot & feta salad easily at home?

 Puy lentil, spiced roast carrot & feta salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make at home. The combination of the earthy lentils, sweet and savory roasted carrots, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic spices make this salad a perfect meal for any time of the day.

Ingredients:

For the salad:

• 1 cup of Puy lentils
• 3-4 medium-sized carrots, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• A handful of fresh parsley leaves, roughly chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

For the spice mix:

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a small bowl, mix all the spices for the spice mix.

3. In a large bowl, toss the carrot pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the spice mix until they are coated evenly.

4. Spread the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are tender and golden brown.

5. In a medium-sized saucepan, rinse the Puy lentils and cook them in 2 cups of water with a pinch of salt over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, or until tender. Drain any excess water and set aside.

6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked Puy lentils, roasted carrots, and chopped red onion.

7. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.

8. Pour the dressing over the lentil and carrot mixture and toss gently to combine.

9. Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley and toss gently.

10. Serve the salad warm or at room temperature.

Tips:

• To save time, you can use canned lentils instead of cooking them from scratch. Simply drain and rinse the lentils and use them in the salad.

• You can add some chopped roasted nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, to the salad for extra crunch and flavor.

• If you prefer a spicier salad, you can add more chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the spice mix.

Puy lentil, spiced roast carrot & feta salad is a healthy and delicious dish that is easy to make at home. This salad is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a perfect meal for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. The combination of the earthy lentils, sweet and savory roasted carrots, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic spices creates a flavor explosion in every bite. Serve it as a side dish or a main course for lunch or dinner. Enjoy!