Appetizers/ Pasta, Rice, Grains/ Vegetables

Black Beluga Lentils Salad with Roasted Pumpkin

Looking for a rustic salad/side to round out your Thanksgiving menu? Black Beluga lentils have a nutty, peppery flavor and a firm texture that holds up well to cooking. Delicate in taste and size, Black Beluga lentils are named for their caviar-like appearance. This flavorful salad can make a delicious accompaniment to a simple roasted turkey. Black Beluga lentils with roasted pumpkin salad show off bold tastes, textures, and colors.

Black Beluga Lentils Salad with Roasted Pumpkin

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Serves: 4

Serves 4 as a side dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. pumpkin, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes (I used butternut squash)
  • 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil (for roasting)
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp of smoked paprika
  • 1 cup black lentils, you can substitute brown lentils if you’d like
  • 3 cups of water with 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
  • juice of 1/2 medium lemon
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Tbsp. walnut oil (for salad) 

Instructions

1

Sort lentils, rinse with cold water and drain. In a medium pot with a lid, combine the black lentils, salt, and water. Bring to a boil for 2 to 3 minutes then reduce to a simmer, cover and cook until just tender but not soft (try it first, it should have a texture), about 25 minutes. Drain into a fine mesh colander and allow to cool to room temperature.

2

Preheat the oven to 350F. In a roasting pan or baking sheet, toss the cubed of pumpkin together with olive oil, a bit of salt and pepper and the dash of smoked paprika. Roast until tender and slightly caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Once roasted, allow cooling to room temperature.

3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the lentils, roasted pumpkin, diced tomatoes, parsley, and garlic. Once combined, drizzle over the walnut oil and the lemon juice into the bowl. Combine well to make sure everything gets dressed. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. This salad is great at room temperature or even warm. You can keep it overnight in a refrigerator and bring back to room temperature to serve.

Black Beluga Lentils Salad with Roasted Pumpkin

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9 Comments

  • Reply
    HEAVEN CAN WAIT
    November 15, 2013 at 1:40 pm

    Another delicious recipe, Yelena! And of course, your photos are amazing!

  • Reply
    La Table De Nana
    November 15, 2013 at 1:56 pm

    I had never heard of these black beluga lentils..Thanks Yelena!

  • Reply
    isimkhovich
    November 15, 2013 at 1:59 pm

    in directions you write to mix in sweet potatoes, but no mention of potatoes prior to that. is that a mistake?

  • Reply
    melangery
    November 15, 2013 at 2:06 pm

    Thank you, isimkhovich, I made a mistake. Mix roasted pumpkin, but if you like you can use roasted sweet potatoes instead-))

  • Reply
    Rosa's Yummy Yums
    November 15, 2013 at 2:14 pm

    A delightful dish! I love the color contrast.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

  • Reply
    Shibi Thomas
    November 15, 2013 at 5:38 pm

    Loved the colors in the salad Yelena!!! I am pretty sure it tastes delicious too!! Love your photography!!!

  • Reply
    Te de Ternura
    November 16, 2013 at 5:02 am

    UNA ENSALADA MUY NUTRITIVA Y DELICIOSA :))))

  • Reply
    DrBuoux
    November 16, 2013 at 6:25 am

    Okay, nice combo with the lentils. Never thought about adding squash before. Good one. ken

  • Reply
    Irina @ wandercrush
    November 16, 2013 at 9:26 am

    Yessss, savoury pumpkin dishes are the best this time of year! I love pie and pumpkin-flavoured baked goods, but there's nothing like some good lentils and squash.

  • Leave a Reply

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