French picnic lentil salad

Indulge in the delightful flavors of a French picnic lentil salad. Perfect for a light and refreshing meal, this dish combines tender lentils with a medley of fresh vegetables and zesty dressing. Enjoy a burst of taste with each bite.

Ingredients:

• 5 cup water
• 2 cup french green (puy) lentils, rinsed and picked over
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 2 small celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 small carrots, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
• 3 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard

Instructions:

1. Combine water, lentils, and bay leaf in a saucepan placed over high heat, and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon salt and continue simmering for another 10 minutes until the lentils are soft and cooked through.
2. While the lentils are simmering, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Put in the celery, carrots, garlic, onion, thyme, and ½ teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions become tender and see-through, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. In a tiny bowl, combine the vinegar, mustard, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt. Pour in the rest of the ¼ cup of olive oil slowly, whisking continuously until the vinaigrette is thoroughly mixed.
4. Once the lentils are ready, strain them, and remove the bay leaf. Combine the lentils and vinaigrette with the cooked vegetables in the pan and mix everything well.

Summary:

• Calories: 2068 kcal
• Fat: 73 g
• Protein: 98 g
• Carbs: 268 g
• Potassium: 3246 mg
• Magnesium: 233 mg