Greek Lentil Salad
I recently embarked on a culinary adventure to create a delightful Greek Lentil Salad. This dish is not only nutritious but also bursting with flavors that transport you straight to the Mediterranean. Let me take you through the ingredients and steps involved in making this refreshing salad.
Ingredients Insight
- Lentils: The star of the dish, lentils are packed with protein and fiber. They have a mild, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers add a delightful crunch to the salad. They are also hydrating and low in calories.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems bring a burst of sweetness and acidity, balancing the earthy lentils.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onions add a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy, feta cheese adds richness and a salty kick to the salad.
- Olives: A staple in Greek cuisine, olives provide a briny, savory element that enhances the overall flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley and mint add a fresh, aromatic touch that brightens the salad.
- Lemon Vinaigrette: A simple dressing made with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and oregano ties everything together with a zesty finish.
Steps Involved
- Cook the Lentils: Start by rinsing the lentils under cold water. Then, cook them in a pot of boiling water until they are tender but not mushy. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes. Drain and let them cool.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the lentils are cooking, chop the cucumbers, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Set these aside.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, chopped vegetables, crumbled feta cheese, and olives. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley and mint over the salad. Give it one last gentle toss to distribute the herbs evenly.
I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Greek Lentil Salad as much as I did. It’s a perfect dish for a light lunch or a side at dinner. Enjoy!
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Green Bean Stir Fry
Green beans are not everyone’s favorite, but they are my go-to recipe for a quick and healthy flavorful side that never fails to impress. This delightful recipe has become a staple in my kitchen and is a wonderful addition to any meal and especially to an Asian menu. The ease and simplicity of the recipe can be very deceptive when you dig in and experience its complex flavors
Here are the ingredients you will need
Fresh Green beans: Starting with fresh green beans is half the battle won, make sure they are firm and crunchy. I use Haricot Verts or French beans, these are a slender, delicate variety of green bean, known for their tenderness and quick cooking time. However, any other green beans will work fine too. Avoid using frozen beans here as they will definitely compromise the taste. Wash and trim them and make sure to wipe dry to avoid boiling the green beans instead of frying them.
Peanut Oil or Extra-virgin Olive Oil: I use Peanut oil, but I have cooked them with Olive oil and it gives equally good results. Cold pressed peanut oil can elevate the taste of this dish to a gourmet status.
Garlic: Finelychoppedfresh garlic works best, it is the main aromatic agent that adds the bulk of flavor to this dish along with the Soy sauce
Soy sauce: Adds zing to the whole dish
Toasted sesame seeds: These are optional but can add pizzaz to your presentation and also cue the Asian flavors
Crushed red pepper flakes: I like to add these for color and the extra heat
Salt and pepper: To enhance the overall taste
The list of all the ingredients and their measurements is in the recipe card below
To make this green beans recipe, start by washing and trimming the green beans. Wipe them dry with a kitchen towel to ensure they are ready for stir frying.
Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. I prefer using peanut or olive oil for its rich flavor. As the oil begins to shimmer, add the chopped garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Add the green beans to the skillet and stir fry for 5–7 minutes until they are tender-crisp and retain their crunch. The sizzling sound and the aroma that fills the kitchen are simply irresistible.
Drizzle the soy sauce over the green beans, stirring to coat them evenly. I use dark soy sauce for its deep, savory flavor. Season the dish with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) for extra flavor.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for garnish. This adds a delightful nutty flavor and a bit of crunch to the dish.
Tips and substitutions
- For added crunch, toss in some chopped nuts like roasted almonds or cashews as a garnish
- Experiment with additional sauces such as chili garlic sauce or Sriracha for different flavor profiles.
- Ensure the skillet is hot enough to lightly char the green beans for a smoky flavor.
The freshness of the green beans, the savory soy sauce, and the subtle hints of garlic create a harmonious blend that is simply irresistible. It’s a dish that always satisfies, and I hope it will do the same for you!
Tips
- For added crunch, toss in some chopped nuts like almonds or cashews towards the end of cooking.
- Experiment with additional sauces such as chili garlic sauce or hoisin for different flavor profiles.
- Ensure the skillet is hot enough to lightly char the green beans for a smoky flavor.
Enjoy your delicious green bean stir fry!
🌟 Recipe Star: Lorem ipsum – dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Curabitur vel sapien non nulla aliquet commodo vitae a nunc.
Hi, I’m Anu — a home cook, recipe explorer, and travel enthusiast based in suburban Chicago. I started this blog to honor the home chefs who filled my childhood with love and flavor.
Every recipe here is personally tried, tasted, and tweaked in my kitchen—with stories, memories, and a dash of heart in every bite.
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