This salad is terrific for holidays and special Autumn feasts, but it can also be a great entree for vegans and vegetarians. Curried lentils are completely delicious on sweet spice-roasted squash and apples. Don't think you'd enjoy curry? Omit and substitute a bit of smoky paprika, instead, or your favorite "warming" spice.
Ingredients
1teaspoonOlive oil
2mediumShallot- minced
3eachGarlic cloves- minced
1cupLentils- dry or (2 cups cooked)
1tablespoonThyme- dried
½tablespoonCurry powder
1teaspoonKosher salt- divided
1teaspoonFreshly ground black pepper- divided
3tablespoonButter- melted (or Vegan Substitute)
¾teaspoonCinnamon- ground
½teaspoonNutmeg- ground
⅛teaspoon- Cloves- ground
2eachAcorn squash- scrubbed, halved, seeded, sliced 1/2 inch thick
2eachApples- Granny Smith, quartered, cored, sliced 1/4 inch thick
½eachRadicchio bunch- leaves torn into small pieces
8cupsArugula
½cupPecanschopped
4ouncesBalsamic reduction
Instructions
In a large saucepan, heat olive oil. Add the shallot, garlic, thyme, and curry cook over moderate heat, stirring, until lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the lentils and 3 cups of water and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over low heat until the lentils are tender and all of the liquid has been absorbed, about 30 minutes. Transfer the lentils to a medium bowl and let cool slightly, season with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400°. In a small bowl, whisk the butter (or vegan substitute) with the cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves; season with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.
In a large bowl, toss the squash with 2 tablespoons of the spiced butter. Arrange the squash on 2 baking sheets and roast for 15-17 minutes. In the same bowl, toss the apple with the remaining 1 tablespoon of spiced butter. Turn the squash wedges and add the apples to the baking sheets. Roast for about 7 minutes longer, until the squash and apples are tender and golden.
Arrange the squash, apples, arugula, and radicchio on a serving platter. Spoon the lentils on top and drizzle with balsamic reduction, garnish with pecans and serve.
Spa Index Kitchen Notes
If you want to save some time, we enjoy the package of pre-cooked, steamed French Lentils available in the cold produce section at Trader Joe's. While they are always al dente and perfect for our salads, we would never substitute pre-cooked canned lentils.
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