Masala Lentil Salad with Cumin Roasted Carrots
Total Time
55 minutes
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Rating
5 out of 5 stars
(51)
Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 ½ pounds carrots, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup dried beluga or French green lentils, or 2 cans (15 ounces each) lentils, drained and rinsed
- ½ medium red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups firmly packed baby arugula, mizuna, or baby kale
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
- 1 teaspoon minced or finely grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon garam masala (scale back if you don’t completely love garam masala)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Pomegranate molasses (optional; I didn’t use any)
- Toasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or pine nuts
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Preparation
Step 1
To make the salad, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Put the carrots in a large bowl. Drizzle with the oil and maple syrup, sprinkle with the cumin, and toss until evenly coated. Transfer to the lined baking sheet, spreading them in a single layer. Season generously with coarse salt and pepper. Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes, until the carrots are fork-tender and browning.
Step 2
Meanwhile, put the lentils in a pot and add water to cover by 3 to 4 inches. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until tender, about 20-30 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold running water, then let drain completely. (If you’re using canned lentils, you can skip this step.)
Step 3
Put the carrots and lentils in a large bowl and let them cool for 10 minutes. Add the onion, arugula, and mint.
Step 4
To make the dressing, combine all the ingredients in a small bowl or measuring cup and whisk until evenly combined.
Step 5
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings if desired. Drizzle with about 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses, if using, and offer toasted seeds on the side.
Step 6
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Chef's notes
Reprinted with permission from Power Plates, copyright © 2018 by Gena Hamshaw. Published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.
Storage suggestions:
This salad keeps well, covered and refrigerated, for up to 3 days.
