Spiced Moroccan Lentil and Carrot Salad with Harissa Dressing

Introduction

Embark on a culinary adventure with this tantalizing Spiced Moroccan Lentil and Carrot Salad, where the vibrant flavors of Morocco meet the freshness of crisp carrots. This delectable salad is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making it an ideal dish for lunch, dinner, or a refreshing side. The star ingredients, lentils and carrots, are packed with nutrients while the aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and tangy Harissa dressing bring a symphony of flavors to your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, picked over and rinsed
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups peeled and sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

For the Harissa Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Harissa paste
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Steps

1. Cook the Lentils: In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils, vegetable broth, coriander, cumin, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the lentils are tender and all the liquid has been absorbed, about 20-25 minutes.
2. Prepare the Carrots: While the lentils are cooking, peel and slice the carrots into thin rounds. In a large bowl, combine the sliced carrots, red onion, parsley, and cilantro.
3. Make the Harissa Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Harissa paste, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Combine the Salad: Once the lentils are cooked, drain any excess liquid and add them to the bowl with the carrots and vegetables. Pour the Harissa dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.

Tips

• For a spicier salad, add more Harissa paste to the dressing.
• If you don't have Harissa paste, you can substitute it with a combination of chili powder, ground cumin, and paprika.
• Serve the salad warm or chilled. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To add extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted almonds or walnuts on top.

FAQs

Q: What is Harissa?

A: Harissa is a spicy chili paste made from a blend of roasted red peppers, chili peppers, cumin, coriander, and garlic. It is a popular condiment in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Q: Is this salad vegan?

A: Yes, this salad is vegan as long as you use a vegan Harissa paste.

Q: Can I use other types of beans instead of lentils?

A: You can substitute the lentils with other beans such as chickpeas, kidney beans, or black beans. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the type of bean used.