Lentil Picnic Salad

Whether it’s listening to Jazz in the Garden, or watching ponies in Warrenton, or just another Sunday with the drum circle in Meridian Park, DC loves its picnic potlucks. And why shouldn’t we? After being cooped up and suffocated in coats for six+ months, we need as much vitamin D time as possible.

But with the joy of outdoor dining comes the eternal conundrum of what to bring. I’m lazy, and usually just pack wine – I know I’ll have something to drink, it’s always appreciated, and it’s never out of place (unless you’re bringing Moscato, or picnicking with Mormons).

But weirdly, sometimes hosts expect something more substantial – “please bring a salad!” is a common demand – at which point I pull out one of my favorite vinegar-free recipes. I hate vinegar with a passion (so the salad bar at Whole Foods infuriates me with every visit); this recipe was originally kicked up by a Google search, but I modified it to remove the vinegar, and then began sautéing things, and then it kind of evolved into something else (ie, something fabulous). It’s earthy, rich, sophisticated – and fast. So you can wake up late, but still have your hosts believing that you slaved all day just for them.

---

Lentil Picnic Salad

Ingredients

- 1 cup French lentils, rinsed

- 4 cups water

- 4 Tab extra-virgin olive oil

- 1 shallot, minced

- 1 chopped red pepper

- 2 small zucchini, thinly sliced

- 3 Tab chopped fresh herbs (I like a combination of rosemary and sage)

- Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Combine lentils and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower heat to simmer for 20 minutes (or until lentils are soft enough to eat, but still firm). Remove from heat, drain, and place in a bowl.

Return the saucepan to medium heat, and add oil. When hot, sauté the shallot and red pepper until soft, then add zucchini and sauté for another 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lentils, herbs, salt and pepper.

You can eat immediately, or serve chilled. The salad is even better the next day, when the flavors have had time to mingle. Serves 4-6.

The post Lentil Picnic Salad appeared first on ClotureClub.com.