Warm Roasted Squash And Puy Lentil Salad Food

WARM LENTIL SALAD WITH BALSAMIC ROAST SQUASH

Steps:

• Combine the lentils, ginger, turmeric, onion, water, and salt to taste in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook at a moderate bubble until the lentils have softened and produced a flavorful broth, about 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the heat. Remove the onion and discard. Place a strainer over a bowl and drain the lentils.
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil. If using cut up squash, place in a bowl or directly on the baking sheet and toss with salt to taste, the balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Spread on the baking sheet in an even layer and make sure to tip all of the liquid remaining in the bowl over the squash. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes so that the squash browns evenly. The squash should be tender all the way through. Remove from the heat. If using acorn squash, spoon a tablespoon of the balsamic vinegar into both cavities, season with salt, brush with olive oil, and place cut side up on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake 40 to 50 minutes, basting every 10 minutes, until thoroughly tender. Remove from the heat and when cool enough to handle remove the skin and cut the squash into dice.
• In a small bowl or measuring cup whisk together the vinegars, mustard, salt and pepper, olive oil, and walnut oil. Toss with the lentils and return to the saucepan. Add a few tablespoons of the lentil broth, stir in the parsley and heat through.
• Place the squash in the middle of a wide bowl or serving platter, surround with the lentil salad and serve.

WARM ROASTED SQUASH AND PUY LENTIL SALAD

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 4. Toss the butternut squash with 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic clove, thyme leaves and seasoning. Roast for 25-30 mins or until tender.
• Mix together the balsamic vinegar, ½ tbsp olive oil, the wholegrain mustard and 1-2 tbsp water. Drain the puy lentils in water and toss with the dressing, red onion, spinach and cherry tomatoes.
• Divide the lentils between four plates. Top with the squash, then crumble over Cheshire cheese and pumpkin seeds.
• Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 4. Toss the butternut squash with 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic clove, thyme leaves and seasoning. Roast for 25-30 mins or until tender.
• Mix together the balsamic vinegar, ½ tbsp olive oil, the wholegrain mustard and 1-2 tbsp water. Drain the puy lentils in water and toss with the dressing, red onion, spinach and cherry tomatoes.
• Divide the lentils between four plates. Top with the squash, then crumble over Cheshire cheese and pumpkin seeds.

WARM LENTIL AND ACORN SQUASH SALAD WITH YOGURT VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• For the salad: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Using a sharp knife, cut the squash halves into 1-inch cubes, leaving the skin intact. Add to a bowl and toss with 3 generous tablespoons of the olive oil, the thyme and season with salt and black pepper. Transfer to a large baking sheet. Roast the squash until fork tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool slightly.
• Add 3 cups water, the lentils, onions, garlic, lemon slices, bay leaf, red pepper flakes and some black pepper to a medium saucepot. Set over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer until tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Season with salt. Remove from the heat and drain. Discard the onions, lemons and bay leaf. Put the lentils in a large glass mixing bowl, toss with a scant tablespoon olive oil and set aside.
• For the caramelized onions: Meanwhile, place a large saute pan over high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced onions. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until starting to color, about 30 seconds. Reduce the heat to low. Caramelize, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes; the onions should be tacky and deep golden brown. Remove from the heat and keep warm.
• For the yogurt vinaigrette: In a large glass mixing bowl, whisk the white wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, mint, cilantro and scallions together until incorporated. Drizzle in the olive oil and whisk until smooth, about a minute. Add the yogurt and continue whisking until creamy, an additional minute. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate in an airtight container until ready for use, or up to 3 days.
• To serve: When the squash is cool enough to handle, transfer to bowl with the lentils. Drizzle in the yogurt vinaigrette and toss to coat completely. Spoon into a large serving dish and garnish with the caramelized onions.