Lentil Salad with Pimiento Vinaigrette

Chick peas, beans and lentils galore are grown in Old Castile, the historic region of north-central Spain. There, these legumes take center stage in all types of dishes, from warm soups to comforting stews and lighter salads. In this Lentil Salad, carrots, garlic and onions, cook alongside the lentils. Then, the cooked lentils are tossed with a tangy pimiento vinaigrette, made with olive oil and pimientos. This vegan recipe, very much like the French classic salad, is best served warm.

This recipe comes to us from Goya.

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Prep time: 15 minutes

Total time: 1 hour

Serves 6

Ingredients:

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup Goya extra virgin olive oil (or similar)
• 3 tbsp Goya red wine vinegar (or similar)
• 1 jar (4 oz) Goya fancy pimientos, finely chopped (or similar)
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped (about ¼ cup)
• 1 tsp Goya Adobo all-purpose seasoning with pepper (or similar)
• 1/2 tsp Goya minced garlic (or similar)

For the Lentils:

• 2 tbsp Goya extra virgin olive oil (or similar)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and finely chopped (about ¾ cup)
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
• 1 tsp Goya minced garlic or 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups Goya dried lentils (or similar), rinsed, drained and picked over for small stones
• 1 tsp Goya Adobo all-purpose seasoning with pepper (or similar)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 whole clove

Directions:

For the Dressing:

1. In medium bowl, mix together olive oil, vinegar, pimientos, onions, Adobo and garlic until combined; set aside.

For the Lentils:

2. Heat oil in large, heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions, carrot, celery and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Add lentils, 6 cups water, Adobo, bay leaf and clove to pot; bring to boil. Reduce heat to low. Cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender, about 30 minutes. Drain lentil mixture; remove and discard bay leaf and clove.

3. Immediately transfer lentil mixture to large serving bowl. Add reserved dressing; stir gently until combined. Serve warm.