Ingredients:
1 cup of lentils (preferably green or brown for their texture
2 cups of water or vegetable broth
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
1 cucumber, finely diced
¼ cup of red onion, finely chopped
¼ cup of fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook Lentils: Rinse the lentils under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring the 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the lentils, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid and let the lentils cool.
Prepare Vegetables: While the lentils are cooling, prepare the red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion by dicing them into small, bite-sized pieces.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Combine: In a large bowl, combine the cooled lentils, diced vegetables, and chopped parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Chill and Serve: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Serve the Soft Lentil Salad as a refreshing and nutritious side dish.