Day 2: Quick and Healthy Weeknight Dinner – Cauliflower Lentil Salad
February 21, 2015
In this icy, windy and brutal cold of February in NYC, a light and leafy salad seems as out of place as a tank top. Hence, I decided to prepare mine with lentils, cauliflower and cayenne pepper. This salad is so comforting, full of flavors and a perfect meal for those days when you want something healthy but also crave the warmth of a cooked meal! The leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Ingredients
1 Cup Lentils (Sprouted or Black)
1 Head Cauliflower, finely chopped
1 Tablespoon Vegetable/Olive Oil
1 Medium Onion, diced
1 Jalapeno, seeded and chopped
2 Cloves Garlic, chopped
1 Teaspoon Red Chili Powder or Cayenne Pepper
1 Teaspoon Cumin Powder
½ Cup Tomato Puree or 1 Medium -Tomato, finely chopped
1 Teaspoon Salt
½ Cup Cilantro, finely chopped
1 Lime, cut into wedges
1 Avocado, sliced
Sour Cream (optional)
Iceberg Lettuce (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils and drain well.
- Combine the lentils and 4 cups water in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium – low and simmer until tender, takes about 20-25 minutes for black lentils or 5 mins for sprouted lentils. Drain the excess water and put the lentils aside.(This step can be done in advance. Lentils can be stored in the refrigerator overnight after draining off the excess water).
- Heat oil in a pan, add onions, salt and jalapenos. Cook on medium heat for 5 mins until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add finely chopped cauliflower, garlic, chili powder/cayenne pepper, ground cumin and cook for additional 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes or tomato puree, cover the lid of the pan and cook on medium heat for 5-8 minutes or until cauliflower is tender.
- Add the cooked lentils to the cauliflower mix and cook for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add chopped cilantro.
- Serve this salad warm or at room temperature with toasted pita or add it to iceberg lettuce leaves, with avocado, fresh lime and/ or sour cream for a healthy taco.
Enjoy!
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