LENTIL SALAD

A Mediterranean inspired healthy salad with lots of flavour. Serve as part of a buffet, as a first course or alongside grilled lamb or chicken.

1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
1cup (250 mL) chopped onion
1 tsp (5 mL) chopped garlic
1 tsp (5 mL) chili flakes
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) green lentils
3 cups (750 mL) water
1 bay leaf
2 slices lemon, about 1/2"(1.5 cm) thick
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Dressing:
1/5 cup (50 mL) lemon juice
1 tsp (5 mL) grated lemon rind
1/2 cup (125 mL) olive oil
1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh oregano, chopped or _ tsp (2 mL) dried
Garnish:
8oz (2 cups) (250 g) feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup (125 mL) black olives, pitted and sliced
2 tsp (10 mL) chopped fresh oregano or 1/2 tsp (2 mL) dried
1/2 red pepper, finely diced
1/2 yellow pepper, finely diced

Heat oil over medium heat in a pot. Add onion and garlic, and sauté stirring for about 2 minutes or until fragrant. Stir in chili flakes.

Add lentils and cook stirring until lentils are coated with the seasoning mixture.

Add water to cover, bay leaf and the lemon slices. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium low, cover and simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Add more water if necessary or drain off any excess water and remove the lemon slices and bay leaf. Season well with salt and pepper.

Whisk together lemon juice and rind, olive oil and oregano. Toss with warm lentils.

Cool and sprinkle with feta cheese, black olives, oregano and peppers. Season again if needed. Serve on a platter.

Serves 8