lentils and tomato recipe

a recipe i found recently at sprouted kitchen (image source). absolutely lovely for a picnic or just out on the back patio. definitely outside food with a nice bottle of chileed rosé. 

SUMMER TOMATO LENTILS // Serves 2 as entrée, 4 as a side

1 Cup Lentils
1 Lemon, zest and juice
1/3 Cup Goat Cheese
2 Large Shallots, peeled and sliced thin
3 Cups Baby Tomatoes
1 tbsp. Olive Oil
1/3 Cup Chives, Finely Chopped
1/3 Cup Basil, Chopped
1 tbsp. Dijon Mustard
1 tsp. Garlic Salt
Fresh Ground Pepper to taste

Oven to 325′

Note: I cook my lentils in unsalted water, as salt is said to toughen the beans- they will taste most fresh if the seasoning is added at the end.

1. Cut tomatoes in half. On the baking pan, toss with 1/2 tbsp. of the olive oil and garlic salt. Turn the tomatoes so they are cut side up, and roast in the oven for 30 minutes.
2. Rinse and drain the lentils, pick out any scrappy pieces. In a medium pot bring 1½ cups water to a boil, add the lentils, turn down the heat to medium and simmer for about 20 minutes. Test the beans for doneness; the liquid should be absorbed, add more if they are not soft to your taste. Put them in a large bowl and crumble in the goat cheese so it melts in the warmth. Add the lemon zest and juice, and gently fold to coat.
3. While lentils are cooling, make the crispy shallots. In a small saucepan, heat up the remaining 1/2 tbsp. olive oil on medium. Add the sliced shallots and cook about 15 minutes, until they are golden brown on both sides.
4. Gently fold the dijon mustard and fresh black pepper into the goat cheesey lentils. Add the basil and mint, roasted tomatoes and crispy shallots. Add salt to your preference.

Serve in a pita or butter lettuce wraps, its absolutely delicious. with a glass of cabernet franc rose or even a chambourcin, lightly chilled! oh to be a sommelier and have pairing foods with wine as a day job, unbelievable.

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