Delicious and Nutritious Curried Lentil Salad Recipe
Attention foodies and curious cooks! I’m excited to share with you my delicious recipe for a Curried Red Lentil Salad. This dish is not just your average salad, as it packs a flavorful punch that will satisfy your hunger and taste buds.
Imagine enjoying the chewy lentils, tossed together with a warm blend of earthy spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cayenne, and chili powder. Add some crunch and texture to every bite with dried currants, raisins or red onions that will take this salad to the next level.
This dish is perfect for those who are seeking healthy vegetarian recipes that are packed with protein and fiber or meal prep enthusiasts who fancy something easy, quick and budget-friendly. You can whip this up in 20 minutes or less without needing complex kitchen tools or techniques.
Trust me when I say that once you have tried this Curried Red Lentil Salad recipe, you will keep coming back for more. So turn up the heat, grab your apron, and let’s get started on this wonderful culinary journey together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This curried red lentil salad recipe is something you don’t want to miss out on! You’ll love this one-of-a-kind salad recipe for its unique blend of spices, combination of flavors, and easy-to-follow instructions. Not to mention, it’s a healthy vegetarian option that’s filling and full of protein.
The red onions, currants, raisins, and fresh cilantro add a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish while the dried red lentils provide a soft texture. But the real star player in this dish is the curry powder blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cayenne pepper, chili powder, dry mustard, and ground cumin. It adds a warm sweetness with just the right amount of kick.
Plus, this recipe takes only 20 minutes to prepare making it a perfect choice for those busy weeknights when you need a quick meal but still want something that’s healthy and delicious. You can also easily customize it to your taste preferences or dietary needs by using different ingredients such as kohlrabi or sweet potatoes.
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch option or a side dish for dinner, this curried red lentil salad recipe is versatile enough to pair with many dishes such as roasted cauliflower or a hearty lentil soup. So, do yourself and your taste buds a favor and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredient List
Here comes the most exciting part of this recipe – the ingredients! To make this curried red lentil salad, you will need a handful of kitchen ingredients that are easily accessible in any grocery stores. This salad combines the flavorful red lentils with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cumin to give it a unique twist that makes the dish so delectable and satisfying!
Here’s a list of all the necessary ingredients for your curried red lentil salad:
- 2 cups dry red lentils
- 4 cups water
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ⅓ cup wine vinegar
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small red onion, diced
- ½ cup currants or raisins
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
The recipe calls for basic pantry staples like ground spices, salt, sugar, and olive oil. The only thing you may not have on hand is dried red lentils; however, they are widely available in any grocery store or online.
Pro tip: Use only the best-quality red lentils for your salad as it can greatly affect the taste and texture of your dish! Rinse them under cold water before cooking them for around 20 minutes until they are nice and tender.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the fun part of this recipe—the cooking process! With its striped orange-to-yellow skin and chewy texture, red lentils are the perfect base for a salad. This recipe achieves just that by creating a “flavor explosion” of ingredients and spices. Here’s how to make it:
What You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 2 cups of dried red lentils, rinsed under cold water
- 4 cups of water
- 1 small red onion, diced
- ⅓ cup of currants or raisins, soaked for 5-10 minutes in warm water (until they plump up)
- ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1/2 small head of roasted cauliflower (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons of wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sweet curry powder (not hot)
- 1 tablespoon of dry mustard
- 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- A pinch each of ground nutmeg and cloves
- A dash each of cayenne pepper and chili powder
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- ¼ cup good-quality olive oil
Instructions
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In a medium-sized pot or a pressure cooker, bring 4 cups of water (or enough to cover the lentils with about an inch or so) to a boil. Add the rinsed lentils and simmer until tender but not mushy, for about 20 minutes. Drain well and rinse under cold water until they cool down completely.
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While the lentils are cooking, get your other ingredients ready: dice your red onion, soak your currants or raisins, chop your cilantro (if using), and roast your cauliflower.
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To make the dressing, whisk together all ingredients except for olive oil. Slowly pour in the olive oil while whisking continuously until well combined.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked lentils, diced red onion, currants/raisins, chopped cilantro (if using), roasted cauliflower (if using), and prepared dressing. Toss well until evenly coated.
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Serve right away if desired, or chill it in the refrigerator before serving to ensure optimum freshness.
This easy curried-red-lentil salad recipe is perfect for a summer lunch, a brunch gathering, or even as part of a tasty dinner repertoire— it’s wonderfully light yet still filling enough!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you searching for some creative twists on the classic curried red lentil salad recipe? Look no further! Experimenting with variations can make your salad exceptional and add new depth to your recipe. Here are some substitutions and modifications that will take your lentil salad game to another level:
– Swap the currants, raisins, or both for chopped dates, apricots, or figs. The sweetness of the fruits perfectly complements the earthy lentils and spices.
– Not a fan of red onions? Substitute them with sliced scallions or diced shallots. They will add a milder onion flavor.
– Dried red lentils cook faster than other varieties, so if you do not have any on hand, replace them with canned brown lentils. Just be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before using.
– If you find the spice level too intense, reduce the amount of cayenne and chili powder by half or eliminate them entirely. Or add a little bit of sweet curry powder to bring down the heat.
– Try experimenting with different types of vinegar. While wine vinegar is the go-to ingredient in this recipe, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or even lemon juice can also give an acidic kick to your dish.
– Love roasted cauliflower? Add some small bite-size pieces to your salad for more texture and flavor.
– Vegetarian? Make this salad vegan by swapping honey for sugar in the dressing recipe and replacing traditional yogurt with plant-based alternatives like almond, soy or coconut yogurt.
The options are endless! Think outside the box and let your creativity run wild. With these substitutions and variations in hand, you’ll never run out of ideas for your curried red lentil salad recipe!
Serving and Pairing
A curried red lentil salad is an excellent choice for a light lunch or a healthy salad dinner option. It’s nutritious and filling without being too heavy on the stomach, perfect for a warm summer day when you don’t want to be weighed down.
This vibrant red lentil salad pairs well with a variety of flavors thanks to its sweet and spicy notes. You can serve it as a side dish to a grilled fish or chicken, or as a main course with some roasted vegetables like cauliflower, kohlrabi, or sweet potatoes curry. For the starters, this salad pairs very well with lentil soup, Thai curry or chickpea curry too.
If you want to add some more protein to the dish, you can serve it with some grilled tofu, shrimp or sliced chicken breast on top. You can also add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream to balance out the spicy seasoning and enhance the creaminess of the lentils.
As for beverages, the fresh and crisp flavors in this salad will be well complemented by a chilled glass of white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. If you prefer something non-alcoholic try pairing it with ginger beer or iced tea.
Overall, this delicious curried red lentil salad recipe is very versatile when it comes to serving and pairing options, go ahead and experiment with your favorite ingredients until you find your perfect match!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This curried red lentil salad recipe is perfect for those who like to plan their meals in advance. The good news is that the salad can be made a day ahead of time, giving you one less thing to worry about when you’re busy. To make it ahead, prepare the ingredients according to the recipe instructions and store them separately. Combine everything together right before serving for best results.
If you have leftovers, no worries! This salad stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just transfer the salad to an airtight container and keep it chilled until you’re ready to eat it again.
If you need to reheat your salad, do so gently on low heat in a microwave or on a stovetop. You may find that the salad needs more dressing after being refrigerated, so feel free to add a splash of olive oil or vinegar before reheating.
While this curried red lentil salad is delicious as the star of your meal, it can also be used as a filling side dish for any dinner party or potluck event. You may also consider swapping out some ingredients to create new variations of this dish depending on your mood or dietary restrictions. The possibilities truly are endless!
Tips for Perfect Results
To make the most delicious curried red lentil salad, there are some important tips to keep in mind. From cooking the lentils to making the dressing, these tips will ensure that your salad turns out amazing every time.
Firstly, it’s essential to rinse the dried red lentils with cold water before cooking them. This will remove any dirt or debris and ensure that the lentils cook evenly. Use a strainer to rinse them under cold running water for a couple of minutes until the water runs clear.
While cooking the lentils, you want to make sure they maintain their shape and texture. To achieve this, add just enough water to cover them in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until tender but still holding their shape.
When it comes to making the dressing, be sure to use high-quality olive oil and wine vinegar. These ingredients add depth of flavor, so choose brands you trust. You can also experiment with other types of vinegar such as apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar.
Cumin is another essential ingredient in this salad that should not be neglected. It adds warmth and depth, so use freshly ground cumin for maximum flavor. You can also add a pinch of chili powder if you prefer more heat.
To elevate the presentation of your salad, cut all ingredients into uniform bite-sized pieces for evenness. Finally, don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste to balance all of the flavors.
Remember these tips when preparing this curried red lentil salad recipe, and you’ll have a fantastic result every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Curried Red Lentil Salad recipe is a truly amazing dish that you should try making at home. This dish is not only healthy and nutritious, but it is also very easy to prepare. With the help of the kitchen ingredients listed in this recipe, you can create an excellent salad that would be perfect for your lunch or dinner.
So what are you waiting for? Take matters into your own hands and try making this dish all by yourself! The combination of sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory flavors will surely satisfy your taste buds. Don’t forget to experiment with various substitutions and variations that would cater to your preferences.
Lastly, let me remind you that the beauty of cooking lies in its flexibility – every ingredient can be tailored according to your liking. Whether you love chickpeas, kohlrabi, or even sweet potato curry, you can always put them into this recipe in any way you want. Cooking is an art that needs practice, so don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way because they will teach you something new.
Get ready for an explosion of flavors in every bite with this Lentil Salad Recipe! Make it today and enjoy it with friends and family alike. Thank you for reading this article!
Curried Red Lentil Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Dressing
- 3/4 cup corn oil or 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup wine vinegar or 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salad
- 1 lb dried red lentils
- 1 cup currants or 1 cup raisins
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped red onions
Instructions
- In large bowl, whisk together all ingredients for dressing. Set aside.
- Wash lentils. Cook in boiling water 5-6 minutes or until just tender. Rinse and drain well.
- Add capers, currants and onions to lentils.
- Combine with dressing and let marinate at least 2 hours in the refrigerator before serving.
- Enjoy!
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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