Hello, it’s Julia from Dinner with Julia! Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s light, it’s flavorful, and it’s packed with nutrients. Yes, we’re talking about my French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese Recipe. This dish is a delightful blend of earthy lentils, tangy goat cheese, and a zesty vinaigrette that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of France.
French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese Recipe
French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- 1 large pan
- 1 bowl
Ingredients
- Three cups of vegetable broth
- One cup of carrot
- Half cup of fresh thyme
- One cup of French lentils
- Half teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Two tablespoon of minced garlic
- Half cup of chopped celery
- Two tablespoon of olive oil
- Two tablespoon of honey
- One cup of goat cheese
- Half cup of Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Take a large pan.
- Add in the oil and lentils into the pan.
- Stir fry the lentils and then add the vegetable broth into it.
- Let the lentils cook for about thirty minutes or until the liquid dries out in the sauce pan.
- Add the rest of the ingredients into a bowl.
- Mix all the ingredients well to form a homogenous mixture.
- Add the cooked lentils on top of the mixture.
- Toss the salad to make sure everything is mixed properly.
- Your dish is ready to be served.
Video
Cooking French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese in a Pressure Cooker
If you’re looking for a quicker way to prepare my French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese Recipe, a pressure cooker is your best friend. It significantly reduces the cooking time for the lentils without compromising their texture or flavor. Here’s how you can do it:
- Cook the lentils: Add the lentils and water to your pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for about 10-15 minutes, then release the pressure naturally.
- Prepare the salad: While the lentils are cooking, prepare the rest of the salad ingredients. Chop the vegetables, crumble the goat cheese, and whisk together the vinaigrette.
- Combine and serve: Once the lentils are cooked and cooled, combine them with the rest of the salad ingredients. Toss everything together with the vinaigrette, then serve and enjoy!
Remember, every pressure cooker is different, so you may need to adjust the cooking times slightly based on your specific model. But with a little experimentation, I’m confident you’ll find this method a great way to enjoy my French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese Recipe when you’re short on time. Bon appétit!
Tips for making French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese
Cooking Tips
Before we delve into the recipe, here are some tips to help you make the most of this French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese recipe:
- Lentil selection: French green lentils (also known as Puy lentils) are the best choice for this salad because they hold their shape well after cooking.
- Cooking the lentils: Be careful not to overcook the lentils. They should be tender but still have a slight bite to them.
- Cheese choice: I love using goat cheese for its creamy texture and tangy flavor, but feel free to substitute with feta or blue cheese if you prefer.
- Dressing: The dressing can make or break a salad. For this recipe, I recommend a simple vinaigrette with Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Serving Suggestion
Now, let’s talk about how to serve this French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese. While it’s a complete meal on its own, here are some ideas to enhance your dining experience:
- Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread would pair perfectly with this salad.
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: For a more substantial meal, consider serving the salad alongside grilled chicken or fish.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, would complement the flavors of the salad beautifully.
FAQs
I’ve received some questions about this French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese recipe, so let’s address some common ones:
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Absolutely! Just replace the goat cheese with a vegan cheese of your choice.
- Can I use other types of lentils? While you can, keep in mind that different lentils have different cooking times and may not hold their shape as well as French green lentils.
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, this salad actually tastes better after it has had some time for the flavors to meld together.
- How long will this salad keep in the fridge? This salad should keep for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Can I freeze this salad? I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad as the texture of the lentils and cheese may change upon thawing.
So there you have it! My journey with the French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese Recipe has been a joyous one. It’s a dish that embodies simplicity, health, and flavor all in one. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this as much as I have.