I thought I would revisit this salad and give it a new life and breath. It was posted a while back and I was recently reminded how lovely it is. I have made it twice this last week, taking advantage of the abundance of greens in the garden and beets being so fresh in the market lately.
It is a recipe from my leather-bound journal that I would travel the world with, documenting thoughts and new-found recipes. Since then, this book has been given a new lease of life – recovered, rebound and blessed with a few `goodnessis isms´.
steamed beetroot lentil walnut salad
Inspired by Leonie, whose food creations were always full of vitality and inspiration.
For this recipe, you can use any sort of greens available. My favourite, being a combination of kale, spinach and beet greens. If you are lucky enough to have the greens still attached to the beetroot, use those as well. Depending on what I am serving, I sometimes leave out the feta or serve it on the side for those who don’t eat dairy, or for a lighter salad you can omit the lentils.
ingredients
6 medium beetroot
½ cup red lentils
400g spinach/kale/beet greens
½ cup small mint leaves
150g feta cheese, cut into small cubes
¾ cup walnuts/pecans, roughly chopped
for the dressing
2 Tbsp honey
1 tsp cumin seeds
¼ cup lemon juice
⅓ cup olive oil
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
preparation
1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.
2. Spread the nuts evenly on a baking tray and toast for 12 – 15 minutes. Remove and roughly chop.
3. Steam the whole beetroot, about 35 – 45 minutes, then drain, cool slightly and peel while still warm – cut into small uniform cubes.
4. Meanwhile, cover the lentils in water and lightly simmer for about 7 minutes until they are still whole and keep their crunch – drain and set aside.
5. Steam the rinsed greens slightly until just wilted. This takes very little time – careful not to overcook. After steaming, run under cold water to retain their vibrant colour – gently squeeze any excess water out and finely chop.
6. In a large bowl, combine the warm lentils, spinach and beetroot, then sprinkle over the cubes of feta, nuts and fresh mint leaves.
7. Prepare the dressing, toast the cumin seeds lightly and grind them roughly with a mortar and pestle, whisk together with the honey, lemon juice, olive oil, and vinegar. Add salt and pepper to taste.
8. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. This salad is equally lovely while still warm or at room temperature.
Goodness shared from Stacey