Whoopee! Let me introduce you to a meal that’ll knock your socks off : our Lentil Salad with Fried Cheese. I like to think of it as a symphony of textures, flavors, and most importantly, love.
Time to get those mitts working, it’s cooking time! After you’ve gathered your ingredients, oh, you’d be shocked to see the simplicity of them, you’re ready to dive right in. The chief attraction, lentils, have a certain earthy charm about them, while the euphoria-inducing fried cheese adds a splendid contrast. It’s like seeing your favorite band live, with the lentils setting the stage and the cheese bursting out with an unbelievable solo.
Getting down to brass tacks, one thing’s for sure, soaking lentils is a must-do. It isn’t just about making them easier to cook, but it’s about letting them shed their inhibitions, like shy debutantes at a ball. Onwards to the cheese, gorgeous chunks being fried to perfection. The glorious sizzle, reminiscent of a soft whisper, is enough to bring anyone running to the kitchen.
Just when you think the dish is complete, ah no sir, there’s a further twist! A final dash of your favorite smattering of herbs, like a vibrant feather in a stylish cap, seals the deal. Boy, it’s hard to resist the warm aroma wafting from the dish!
So folks, the curtain falls, but the taste remains, and mark my words, it’s a showstopper! Each time I serve this beauty to friends and family, I see their eyes light up, much like fireworks on a dark canvas. Trust me, it’s a feeling akin to hitting a homerun—it’s exhilaratingly enchanting!
I implore you to try this dish, folks. Experience the joy of orchestrating your personal culinary concert! Taste and believe. Bon appétit!
Let’s Taste This Dish!
- Rinse 1 cup of lentils under cold water, discarding any stones or shrivelled lentils.
- Take a pot, add the rinsed lentils and 3 cups of water. Bring to the boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes. We’re aiming for lentils that are cooked yet firm.
- While the lentils cook, cube 200g of your favourite cheese, ideally something firm like halloumi, mozzarella or even paneer.
- Heat a nonstick pan greased with a drizzle of oil, then place the cheese cubes in hot oil.
- Cook until the cheese is golden brown in colour. Flip and cook on all sides. Be careful here, we don’t want a melty disaster, just beautifully crisp cheese.
- Once our lentils are cooked and the cheese fried, it’s assembly time.
- Drain the lentils and let them cool.
- Add the cooled lentils, fried cheese cubes, a cup each of diced tomatoes and cucumbers, and half a cup of thinly sliced onions to a large bowl.
- Mix it all up with a dressing made with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, salt and pepper.
- Toss until everything is heartily mixed together.
- Finish off your salad with a generous sprinkle of your favourite herbs – basil, parsley, you name it.
- Enjoy your Lentil Salad with Fried Cheese straight away or let it chill in the fridge for an hour for all the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Bon appétit!
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