Lentil And Arugula Salad With Saffron Aioli Food

WILD RICE AND LENTIL SALAD

Steps:

• Prepare rice according to package directions. Drain; rinse with cold water. Place lentils in a small saucepan. Add water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until tender, 20-25 minutes. Drain; rinse with cold water., In a small bowl, whisk oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic and salt until blended. In a large bowl, combine rice, lentils, tomatoes and green onions; drizzle with dressing. Just before serving, stir in arugula and cheese.

LENTIL AND ARUGULA SALAD WITH SAFFRON AIOLI

Steps:

• Cook the lentils in salted water, covered, for 30 minutes or until tender. Drain and cool. Add the shallot, vinegar and olive oil and toss well. Set aside.
• Make the saffron aioli. Peel the garlic cloves and mash them with half a teaspoon of salt in a mortar and pestle. Add the egg yolk and mix in thoroughly. Gradually add the olive oil little by little beating continually until you have a thick emulsion (this can also be done in a blender). Add the vinegar by the tablespoon to thin the sauce.
• Soften the saffron in the warm water. Add it to the aioli and mix in with a chopstick or a small fork. Let it sit for an hour or so, refrigerated, to develop the flavor.
• Thoroughly wash and dry the arugula. Arrange the leaves either on an individual plate or a large serving dish and spoon the lentils in the center. Serve with the aioli.