Lentil and Feta Cheese Salad

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 1/2 cups olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon coriander, ground
• 2 teaspoons Greek oregano, dried & crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 cup lentils (brown or green)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander, whole crushed (or 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, ground
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 large tomato, seeded and chopped (or 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved)
• 4 scallions, chopped
• 1 English cucumber, peeled, seeded and coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, coarsely chopped
• 3 tablespoons mint, fresh, chopped (or 1 Tablespoon dried mint)
• 8 ounces feta cheese, coarsely crumbled

Directions

1. 1

   Whisk first 6 ingredients together to make the dressing for the salad.

2. 2

   Pick over and wash lentils in several changes of water until water remains clear. Soak lentils in about 2 cups water for 1 - 2 hours, or overnight. (Overnight soaking will reduce cooking time.).

3. 3

   Heat olive oil in a 2 quart saucepan. Sauté the garlic in the oil until just translucent. Add the coriander seed and heat to release the flavor. Add the lentils and the soaking water and bring just to a boil. Add the bay leaf, cayenne pepper and simmer, stirring occasionally, 15 - 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Add additional water if necessary to keep the lentils from sticking. Add salt and taste for seasoning.

4. 4

   Drain any remaining liquid from the lentils, remove the bay leaf, and allow the lentils to come to room temperature.

5. 5

   In a large bowl combine the lentils and about 3/4 cup of the dressing. Add the vegetables and feta, and toss lightly. Taste for seasoning and add more dressing as desired, or place it on the table for individual use.

6. 6

   Salad may also be served chilled.