Beluga Lentils with Walnuts and Spring Vegetables

By Trent Page
Total Time
1 Hr
Serves
4
Meal
Dinner

DESCRIPTION

The delicate flavor of beluga lentils is balanced out by the tanginess of the yogurt sauce. Spring vegetables add splashes of color to this earthy, Middle Eastern dish.

Prep Time
45 Mins
Cook Time
15 Mins
Total Time
1 Hr
Calories
570
Total Fat
46
Polyunsaturated Fat
18.3
Sodium
1620
Carbohydrates
31
Dietary Fiber
8
Protein
14

Ingredients

COOKED BELUGA LENTILS

  • 2/3 cup black lentils, dried
  • 3 cups water

SPRING VEGETABLE MIXTURE

  • 2 each heirloom baby carrots, yellow, tops removed, peeled, shaved
  • 2 each heirloom baby carrots, red/orange, tops removed, peeled, shaved
  • 4 each asparagus, top 2" shaved, bottoms peeled, rounds shaved
  • 1 cup sugar snap peas, blanched, chilled, drained, tips cut, separated to expose peas
  • 1 cup baby arugula, packed
  • 1 cup California walnuts, toasted, chopped

VINAIGRETTE

  • 1/4 cup California walnuts, toasted, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons sherry vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon pomegranate syrup
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin, whole, toasted, ground
  • 1 teaspoon coriander, whole, toasted, ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon rose water
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

SEASONED BELUGA LENTIL MIXTURE

  • 2 cups black lentils, cooked
  • 1/4 cup vinaigrette
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

YOGURT SAUCE MIXTURE

  • 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons milk, 2%
  • Kosher salt, to taste

ALEPPO OIL MIXTURE

  • 3/4 teaspoon Aleppo pepper, ground
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Preparation

COOKED BELUGA LENTILS

  1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook lentils for 20–25 minutes.
  2. Check for doneness, drain, and chill with cold water until lentils are cool to the touch. Fully drain, cover, and set aside until ready for use.

SPRING VEGETABLE MIXTURE

  1. Place all mixture ingredients in a clean container and toss lightly. Keep covered with a damp paper towel and store in the refrigerator until ready for use.
  2. Before serving, toss lightly with 2 tablespoons vinaigrette and use immediately.

VINAIGRETTE

  1. Combine all ingredients in a non-reactive bowl and season to taste with kosher salt. Set aside until ready for use.

SEASONED BELUGA LENTIL MIXTURE

  1. Combine cooked beluga lentils and vinaigrette in a non-reactive bowl. Toss lightly until lentils are coated evenly. Season to taste with kosher salt.
  2. Cover and keep refrigerated until ready for use.

YOGURT SAUCE MIXTURE

  1. Combine all ingredients in a non-reactive bowl and season to taste with kosher salt.
  2. Set aside until ready for use.

ALEPPO OIL MIXTURE

  1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, remove from heat, and let steep for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Place Aleppo oil in a stainless steel container, let cool, cover, and set aside until ready for use.

ASSEMBLY

  1. To assemble the dish, dollop 1 tablespoon yogurt sauce onto a chilled plate. Fan the sauce out into a 4" circle.
  2. Using a 3½" ring mold, center on top of yogurt sauce. Place ½ cup seasoned beluga lentil mixture and press down with back of spoon to set lentils. Top with ¼ cup chopped toasted walnuts.
  3. Remove ring mold slowly, taking care not to disturb the lentil mold. Toss 2 tablespoons vinaigrette with spring vegetable mixture and lightly toss until all vegetables are evenly coated.
  4. Place ¼ cup seasoned vegetable mixture on top of chopped walnuts. Drizzle with Aleppo oil and reserved vinaigrette.