Farmhouse Lentil Salad

For the Burgundy-Style Vinaigrette

Generous pinch of Mount Zero Pink Lake Salt

Pinch of freshly ground pepper 

1 tbsp Mount Zero Red Wine Vinegar

½ tsp Dijon mustard

3 tbsp Mount Zero Picual Extra Virgin Olive Oil

For the lentil salad

½ onion

2 cloves

200g Mount Zero French Style Green Lentils 

½ carrot, sliced

1 bay leaf

1 sprig thyme

150 g smoked bacon (best to use a whole piece and cut into thick strips)

2 pinches of Mount Zero Pink Lake Salt 

1 tbsp chopped fresh chives

1 shallot, finely diced

Mise en Place

Rinse the lentils in a sieve under running water until the water runs clear. 

Stick the cloves into the onion half. 

Method

In a saucepan, cover the lentils with around a litre of water. Add the clove-studded onion, carrot, bay leaf, and thyme (used as aromatics to flavour the lentils). Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let the lentils simmer, uncovered, for about 25 minutes or until tender.

Meanwhile, prepare the Burgundy-Style Vinaigrette by adding salt and pepper to a small bowl, followed by the vinegar and mustard. Mix until the salt dissolves, then add the oil. Stir vigorously to emulsify the dressing, then set it aside.

Pan-fry the bacon until it turns golden and crispy. Scoop them out of the pan and place them on a paper towel to remove excess fat, then set aside. 

As soon as the lentils are cooked, remove the bay leaf, thyme, carrot, and onion. Drain the lentils through a sieve and let them sit for about 5 minutes to cool down and allow excess water to drip out.

When ready to assemble the salad, transfer the lentils to a salad bowl and season them with salt. Scatter the chives and shallots over the lentils. Whisk the dressing briefly to emulsify it again, then pour it over the lentils. Gently mix, ensuring the lentils are well coated with the dressing.

Serve on a plate or in a small bowl with a sprinkle of bacon and some extra chives. For an easy, enjoyable light meal perfect for warmer days, add a poached egg on top and a side of lettuce.

Variation

There’s always space for extra if you want to create a little more fanfare with this salad. Add walnuts, green apple slices or a scrape of blue cheese.