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Mercimek Salatası 3

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

Mercimek Salatası 3

Mercimek Salatası 3 is a staple of Turkish home cooking, celebrated for its simplicity and rich, comforting flavors. This version captures the essence of what it means to cook in a Turkish kitchen, where ingredients are measured by instinct and tradition rather than precision. It's a dish that speaks to the heart of family meals, where salt is judged by hand and olive oil flows freely, bringing together the familiar taste of home.

The salad presents a delightful balance of earthy green lentils and the crisp bite of onion, lifted by the freshness of parsley. The generous drizzle of olive oil mingles with the tang of lemon juice, creating a vibrant, yet harmonious flavor profile. Each bite is a reminder of the comfort found in shared meals, a true reflection of the Turkish home cooking experience.

Ingredients

  • 300 ggreen lentils — cooked
  • 1onion
  • parsley — chopped
  • 80 mlolive oil
  • lemonjuiced
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Rinse 300 g of green lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Place them in a medium saucepan and cover with enough water to submerge the lentils by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape, about 20 to 25 minutes. Drain and let them cool completely.
  2. While the lentils are cooking, finely chop 1 onion and a generous handful of parsley. The onion should be diced small enough that it will blend well with the lentils without overpowering them. The parsley should be chopped finely to release its fresh aroma and flavor.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled lentils with the chopped onion and parsley. Pour in 80 ml of olive oil and the juice of one lemon. Season with fine sea salt to taste, starting with a small pinch and adjusting as needed after tasting.
  4. Gently toss the salad with a large spoon or your hands, taking care to keep the lentils intact. The goal is to evenly distribute the dressing and ingredients without mashing the lentils. Look for a glossy sheen on the lentils, indicating they are well-coated with the dressing.
  5. Serve the Mercimek Salatası 3 immediately, accompanied by fresh bread. The salad should be vibrant and aromatic, with the lemon and parsley providing a fresh contrast to the earthy lentils. Enjoy this dish as a shared centerpiece on your table.
Cover of Authentic Turkish Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Turkish Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Turkish Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Turkish volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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