Lentil Salad

This is a lentil salad made with whole dark green Lentils which are French Lentils and they are also called as Puy Lentils and French green Lentils. I make them both the ways like an Indian Daal and also as a Salad. But honestly these are better for Salads because they keep a firm texture even after cooking. I make them a lot for the girls Lunch boxes. 

Here is what you:

- 250 gms of dried lentils soaked overnight

- 4-5 cherry Tomatoes if available or 2 medium sized Tomatoes

- 1 small block of Feta Cheese

- 1/2 Avocado

- 2 Spring Onions 

- 1 green Chili or to taste

- 1 small bunch of Coriander/Parley (to taste)

- grated Ginger, about 1 tsp

- Sea Salt to taste

- Black Pepper to taste

- 1 tbsp Virgin Olive Oil

- Juice of half Lime

Method:

1. Wash the Lentils in cold water and soak them overnight. 

2. Throw the water where the Lentils were soaked, about 300 ml of cold water, 1/2 tsp of Salt, 1/2 tsp of cumin seeds and 1/2 and inch piece of Ginger to the Lentils and cook them in a pressure cooker for 10-12 minutes. 

3. Let them cool down.

4. When the pressure cooker is cooled, take the Lentils in a sieve and let it get some air. 

5. Add the Lentils to a glass bowl and all the above ingredients to the lentils. 

5. Mix it all well, let the Salad sit for about an hour before serving. 

I always take salt and some spices to cook my lentils, that way they are flavoured from inside and not just on the top. You can add the ingredients mentioned in step to or if you wish you can avoid them too. 

If you are using pressure cooker then you will need 12 minutes for the lentils to cook, if you will cook them open then you might about about 30 minutes and more water.