By Angel Munro
This salad was born from what was in the fridge one day & has ended up being on high rotation. Lentils provide a good balance of complex carbohydrates and protein, providing slow releasing energy. Lentils are high in fibre, essential for a healthy microbiome & therefore a healthy immune system. The variety of brightly coloured vegetables provide phytochemicals & nutrients that are aid liver detoxification, are cellular protective & immune regulating.
Ingredients
5 medium sized carrots slice into quarters, lengthways
2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
3 capsicums
1 cup of dried French lentils (2 cups when cooked)
3 sprigs of parsley, roughly chopped
2 large handfuls of baby spinach
3 tbsp of dried currants
Dressing
¼ cup of red wine vinegar
¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp of maple syrup
1 garlic clove
3 pinches of sea salt
Method
Place carrots in a baking tray & coat well with 2 tbsp of olive oil & a good pinch of sea salt. Bake at 200°C for an hour, shake the tray halfway through. Set aside.
Place whole capsicums in a baking tray. Bake at 200°C for an hour, turn capsicums half way through & bake until skin is slightly blackened & the skin is wrinkled. Place in a bowl & cover with a plate until cool. Remove seeds and skin and discard. Tear capsicum into strips. Set aside.
Place lentils in a saucepan & cover well with water. Bring to the boil & then simmer on medium heat until just tender for about 15-20 minutes. Drain well & set aside.
To make the dressing, peal garlic clove, top with a pinch of salt & chop until very fine. The salt will help to soften & mince the garlic. Place in a jar with the remainder of the salad dressing ingredients, secure lid & shake well.
Just before serving, place all ingredients in a large bowl, cover with salad dressing, mix well & serve.
