Beetroot Goat Cheese Lentil Salad

This colorful and flavorful salad is an excellent appetizer or side dish. Lentils provide a nutty flavor and satisfying texture, while beets add sweetness and earthiness. Goat cheese contributes a creamy tanginess, and parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note. The salad is dressed with a simple lemon-olive oil vinaigrette, which brightens the flavors and brings everything together.

In the annals of culinary history, the combination of lentils and beets stands as a testament to the ingenuity of our gustatory ancestors. While the exact origins of this pairing are shrouded in the mists of time, it's believed that the pairing originated in the Middle East or North Africa, where both lentils and beets have been cultivated for centuries. During the Middle Ages, this salad was a staple in the kitchens of European monasteries, where it was often served as a meatless meal on Fridays and during Lent. Over time, the salad evolved and different variations emerged, each reflecting the region in which it was made. Today, you'll find variations of this humble yet delicious salad in kitchens across the globe, each with its own unique twist on the traditional recipe. Our version of this classic salad pays homage to the original while incorporating modern culinary techniques to create a dish that is both flavorful and nutritious.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils, picked over and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bunch beets (about 1 pound), peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

1. Cook the lentils according to package directions.
2. While the lentils are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the beets and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
5. Drain the lentils and add them to the skillet with the beets.
6. Stir in the goat cheese, parsley, and lemon juice.
7. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Why It Works

• Lentils are a great source of fiber and protein, which makes this salad a filling and satisfying meal.
• Beets are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C.
• Goat cheese adds a creamy tanginess that balances the sweetness of the beets.
• Parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the flavors of the salad.
• The lemon-olive oil vinaigrette is a simple and flavorful dressing that brings everything together.