| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 240 | 7g | 1g | 35g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 10g | 14g | 0.4g |
Why I Love South African Spicy Lentil Salad
There’s no doubt that the Spicy Lentil Salad is one of my go-to recipes when I need a vibrant and healthy dish. This South African specialty adds a zesty twist to the familiar lentil salad – a pleasing treat for the palate. Bursting with colorful and nourishing ingredients, this dish exhibits my passion for wholesome, health-conscious food combined with decadent flavor profiles.
Culinary Traditions and Inspirations
Though not directly inspired by a single chef, this recipe draws on a myriad of cooking philosophies. Influenced by the health-focused cuisine of the West Coast and the vibrant flavors of South African food, the Spicy Lentil Salad is a delightful fusion that highlights the best of both worlds. The use of lentils pays homage to the broad love for legumes in South African cuisine, while the California influence lies in the array of fresh vegetables and herbs used.
Perfect Pairings and Similar Dishes
For those fond of exploring unique global flavors, this salad has parallels to the Herbed Lentil and Barley Salad. Alternatively, for a meatier option, it can be paired exceptionally well with a Grilled Herb Chicken, offering a fulfilling and balanced meal. Or, if you fancy a delectable Wine Country experience, try serving it alongside a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s crisp acidity will beautifully cut through the spicy notes of the salad.
In essence, the Spicy Lentil Salad wonderfully encapsulates my love for dishes that not only satiate the taste buds but also nourish the body. It is an artistic expression of culinary traditions, my Californian roots and the joy of creating food that connects people and cultures.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup green lentils
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
Method
Step One
Place the green lentils in a pot and cover them with about 2 inches of water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the lentils simmer until they are tender. This process should take about 15-20 minutes. Drain the lentils and set them aside to cool.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the chopped red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and red onion.
Step Three
Next, add the minced garlic, curry powder, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the bowl of vegetables. Mix everything together until the veggies are well-coated with the spices.
Step Four
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and the juice from the lemon. This will serve as your dressing.
Step Five
Pour the dressing over the spiced vegetables, and add the cooled lentils to the bowl as well. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step Six
Lastly, fold in the chopped cilantro and mint. These fresh herbs will give your Spicy Lentil Salad a burst of bright flavor. Enjoy your salad immediately, or let it sit in the fridge for a few hours to let the flavors meld together even more.
