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Herbed Brown Rice & French Lentil Salad

Hello folks! Today I've got a snappy little meal in one to share with you as I jaunt off for another summer adventure. This time I'll combine a little work & a little play, but I am off to the islands until Sunday and I couldn't be more up for it! If you've followed me for a while, then you may already know about my passion project, and the project that brought on this blog and all that comes with it (me and maybe, for you my dear friends who read these posts - you amaze me and I could not appreciate you more).

Today's recipe is another one inspired by the ever awesome Moosewood Collective, and one look at this Rice & Herb Salad had me ready to re-commit to rice and never look back. Rice is simple, grounding, and in its whole form, wonderfully filling and nutritious. It's not available locally in many parts of the world (including here in BC), but it is relatively inexpensive and forms a great foundation for healthy, alkaline & macrobiotic-inspired foods. Here I added French lentils, almonds & summer green beans to increase the protein & fibre and also to make this a complete meal for those on the go who want it all. It's yummy if I do say so myself and the dressing is super snappy & tasty. I highly recommend this salad as it keeps well and nourishes without tummy upset or worry ~just add you and your smiling face!

Herbed Brown Rice & French Lentil Salad

Adapted from the Moosewood Collective Cooking for Health

(1) cup dry French lentils, soaked in water to cover for 12-24 hours
(1/2) cup slivered almonds, toasted
(1.5) cups uncooked long grain brown rice
(2) tsp olive oil
(2.5) cups water
(1/2) tsp salt

    The Dressing

    (1/4) cup olive oil
    (2) tbsp red wine vinegar (can also use apple cider vinegar)
    (2) tbsp fresh lemon juice
    (1.5) tsp Dijon mustard
    (1/4) tsp salt
    ground black pepper to taste

      The Veggies & the Garnishes

      (1/2) pound fresh green beans, washed, trimmed, and cut in thirds (about 2 cups, trimmed)
      (4) scallions, cleaned and minced
      (3/4) cup fresh parsley, minced
      (1/2) cup fresh basil, minced
      (1) cup pitted black or green olives (optional)
      thinly sliced red onion
      feta cheese to crumble on top

        Start by pre-soaking the lentils - this is ideally done the night before you want to cook, or if you want to make this in the late afternoon, you can soak the lentils early in the day. Put up a steamer to boil on the stove with plenty of water, enough for 25-30 minutes of light boiling. Rinse the soaked lentils and add them to the steamer. Steam them for 25-30 minutes until soft, but still firm and brown. Once done, remove to a bowl and set aside in a bowl to cool.

        I often just cook up a batch of these and keep them in the fridge until I am inspired to use them. I just cook them & toss them in a little olive oil & salt to trap the flavor. Folks have asked why I steam them vs. boiling them, and the only thing I can say is this was a trick I learned forever ago, and cooking (only the French kind) lentils this way produces a firmer texture without them turning to mush. Perfect for salads and I never cook them any other way if I plan to eat them cold.

        In a separate pot, combine the rice & the oil and heat the mixture on medium high, stirring for about 2-3 minutes. Add the water & salt and bring to a boil with the lid on. Once boiling, turn the heat down and cook, covered, for about 45 minutes, or until all of the water has been well absorbed.

        While the rice cooks, whisk the dressing ingredients together and set aside. Wash and trim the green beans and cut them into thirds. Blanch or steam the beans until bright green and tender, no longer than 4 minutes. Once cooked, immediately remove the beans from the heat and transfer to an ice bath to cool for a few minutes. Drain and set aside. Toast the almonds either in a dry skillet for 5-6 minutes, or on a flat tray in a 350-degree oven until just brown. Set aside to cool.

        When the rice is ready, transfer it all to a large bowl and toss thoroughly with the dressing. Set the rice & dressing aside to cool for 15 minutes ~ this will allow the hot rice to absorb the bright flavours of the dressing and infuse it with the life of this dish. Once the rice is cool, combine it with the lentils, almonds, green beans & all remaining ingredients. Serve warm or at room temperature garnished with pitted olives, red onion slices, and optional feta cheese. This dish will feed quite a few, so if you are looking for less, simply half the recipe!

        While the rice cooks, whisk the dressing ingredients together and set aside. Wash and trim the green beans and cut them into thirds. Blanch or steam the beans until bright green and tender, no longer than 4 minutes. Once cooked, immediately remove the beans from the heat and transfer to an ice bath to cool for a few minutes. Drain and set aside. Toast the almonds either in a dry skillet for 5-6 minutes, or on a flat tray in a 350-degree oven until just brown. Set aside to cool.

        When the rice is ready, transfer it all to a large bowl and toss thoroughly with the dressing. Set the rice & dressing aside to cool for 15 minutes ~ this will allow the hot rice to absorb the bright flavours of the dressing and infuse it with the life of this dish. Once the rice is cool, combine it with the lentils, almonds, green beans & all remaining ingredients. Serve warm or at room temperature garnished with pitted olives, red onion slices, and optional feta cheese. This dish will feed quite a few, so if you are looking for less, simply half the recipe!

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