Lentil Salad

This is a very traditional French dish in both cafes and homes.  People make this often, especially in the summer served chilled.  But it is equally delicious warm or room temperature.  The best part, you can make it a day ahead when having guests.  Lentils are high in protein, fiber and iron.

In a bowl, mix:
3 cups cooked lentils, hot
1 shallot, finely minced (the heat of the lentils will soften them)
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1/4 cup good olive oil
1/8 cup red wine vinegar
1 tsp coarse salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper


Eat hot, or chill until ready to eat.


Tip for those in France, I used this type of packaged, precooked lentils, and they are both yummy and a time saver.  Just toss the unopened packet into boiling water for 5 minutes.