Caribbean Cold Lentil Salad Food

COLD LENTIL SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Peel outer skins from garlic bulbs and cut about 1/4 inch from the top of each bulb to expose cloves; place each bulb onto a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle each with about 1/2 teaspoon olive oil, and wrap garlic bulbs in the foil. Place wrapped bulbs into a baking dish.
• Bake garlic in the preheated oven until soft, about 30 minutes. Let bulbs cool.
• Place lentils into a 5-quart pot and cover with water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until lentils are tender but not mushy, about 15 minutes; stir occasionally. Drain lentils in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse with cold water to cool; drain again.
• Break garlic bulbs apart and squeeze cloves to release cooked garlic. Place garlic into a large salad bowl and add grape tomatoes, parsley, and green onions. Whisk balsamic vinegar with 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Fold lentils into tomato mixture and pour dressing over salad; gently toss to coat. Keep refrigerated until serving time.

CARIBBEAN COLD LENTIL SALAD

Steps:

• Rinse the lentils and stir together the water and lentils in a medium pot and bring to a boil.
• Once boiling, turn the heat to medium-low, cover and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and add into a large bowl.
• Add all the other salad ingredients, except the coconut chips, into the bowl and stir to combine.
• In a SMALL food processor (mine is 3 cups) process all of the dressing ingredients until the jalapeno is broken down and the dressing is smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary.
• Pour the dressing over the lentils and mix well. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours up to overnight so the lentils can absorb the dressing and develop flavor.
• When ready to serve, stir in the coconut chips* and DEVOUR!

COLD LENTIL SALAD

Steps:

• Combine the lentils and garlic in simmering salted water for 10 minutes, or until the lentils are crisp-tender. Drain and run the lentils under cold water. Discard the garlic.
• In a bowl, toss together the lentils, celery, onion, and parsley. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and water. Drizzle over the lentils and stir gently to incorporate. Season with salt and pepper.

CARIBBEAN CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Slice the cucumbers lengthwise and remove seeds with a spoon or melon baller.
• Slice each half into 1/2 inch slices.
• Place in a bowl and sprinkle with the salt.
• Toss gently and let sit for 30 minutes.
• Drain well.
• Place the cucumbers in a serving bowl and add the chilies, lime juice, and garlic.
• Toss well.
• Cover and let sit at room temperature for 1 hour before serving.

MOROCCAN LENTIL SALAD (HEALTHY)

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.