339 – French Lentil Apple Salad Recipe / سلطة العدس والتفاح

Ingredients :

• 1 1/4 cups (250 grams) uncooked lentils
• 2-3 apples
• 4 tablespoons (or to taste) of apple vinegar (or regular vinegar)
• 4 tablespoons (or to taste) of olive oil
• Fresh tarragon (estragon) or crushed fennel seeds (to taste)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Water for cooking (3 times the volume of lentils)

Directions :

Step 1: Preparing the Lentils
IMPORTANT: we are using the Lentils of Puy, which are softer and easier to cook. If you are using brown or green lentils, you may have to put them in water for a couple of hours before cooking them.
1- Place the lentils in a large bowl and wash them with cold water.
2- Once well washed, drain the lentils from the water.
3- Place the lentils in a measuring cup and check out the volume measure. You should cook the lentils in 3 times their volume in water.
4-Place the lentils along with the cold water in a large pot. Cover and cook the lentils on high heat until the water reaches a boiling water.
5- Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium, uncover the pot and let the lentils cook for 20 minutes or until they become soft.
6- Once the lentils are cooked, drain them from the water and place them in a large bowl.

Step 2: Preparing the Salad
1- We need to season the lentils when they are still hot.
2- Add the apple vinegar to the lentils – we are using apple vinegar, you can use regular vinegar. Adjust vinegar to taste.
3- Add olive oil – to taste.
4- Add salt and pepper to your taste.
5- Let the lentils cool down.
6- Once the lentils cool down – taste them again and adjust the seasoning (vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper).
7- Peel the apples and cut them into pieces. Add them to the lentils.
8- Add fresh or dried tarragon (estragon) – if you do not have it, you can replace it with crushed fennel seeds.
9- Mix well. Place in the fridge for an hour or so, and serve cold!

Bon Appetite!