Since we are celebrating the health week at Forktrails, today we try out a Mediterranean lentil salad, that brings in all the exotic flavors to your plate, in a very healthy way. To make this salad, you need –

1 cup dry brown lentils

1 cup diced carrots

1 cup red onion,  diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 cup diced celery

1/4 cup chopped parsley

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 cup olive oil

Directions:

In a saucepan combine lentils, carrots, onion, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme. Add enough water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes or until lentils are tender but not mushy.

Drain lentils and vegetables and remove bay leaf. Add olive oil, lemon juice, celery, parsley, salt and pepper. Toss to mix and serve at room temperature.

This makes an amazing lentil salad with great Mediterranean flavors.  You can use raw vegetables instead of cooked ones if you prefer. The lemon adds the tangy feel to the salad, while the olive oil works to enhance the flavors. Try it, and tell me how you find it.

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