Sprouted Lentil Salad with Tarragon Vinaigrette
What a way to use Saskatchewan lentils – sprouted in a salad! Plan to make this salad three days ahead to leave time for the lentil seeds to sprout.
Serves 4
½ cup dried lentils
Tarragon Vinaigrette:
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp tarragon vinegar or white wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard or mustard powder
1 clove garlic, minced
salt and pepper, to taste
Salad:
the sprouted lentils
1 cup seeded, diced cucumber
1 large carrot, diced
½ a green pepper, diced
1 small jalapeno pepper, very finely diced
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh tarragon
2 green onions, finely sliced
To sprout the lentils: place the lentils in a large quart mason jar or clean pickle jar. Fill the jar about ½ full with water and let soak on your countertop overnight. In the morning, pour off the water. Place 2 layers of cheesecloth over the mouth of the jar and place a rubber band around the neck to keep the cheesecloth in place. Store the jar in a dark cupboard. (I keep mine with the dinner plates are so I see the jar daily.)
Each morning, fill the jar half full with water and then pour off the water. Put the jar back in the cupboard. Repeat on day 3. By the third day the lentils should have sprouted enough to use in the salad.
Vinaigrette: Whisk together the oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper. Set aside until ready to use.
Salad: In a large bowl, toss together the sprouted lentils, cucumber, carrot, green pepper, jalapeno, fresh tarragon and green onions. Pour over the dressing. Toss and serve.
