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Mercimek Salatası

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

Mercimek Salatası

Mercimek Salatası is a comforting Turkish lentil salad, often found on family tables across Turkey. This dish combines earthy green lentils with the brightness of lemon juice and the freshness of parsley. It's a simple yet flavorful salad that highlights the natural taste of its ingredients.

In Turkish homes, Mercimek Salatası is a staple, appreciated for its hearty and satisfying qualities. The lentils provide a tender base, while the onion adds a subtle sharpness. Generous olive oil ties everything together, creating a dish that is both nourishing and delicious. It's a versatile salad, perfect for any gathering or as a light meal on its own.

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 twice their volume of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape, about 20-25 minutes. Drain and let them cool to room temperature.
  2. While the lentils are cooling, finely chop 1 onion and a small bunch of parsley. The onion should be in small, even pieces to ensure a balanced flavor in each bite. The parsley should be chopped finely enough to distribute evenly throughout the salad.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled lentils, chopped onion, and parsley. Drizzle 80 ml of olive oil over the mixture. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the salad, making sure to catch any seeds.
  4. Season the salad with fine sea salt to taste. Start with a small pinch, mix, and taste, adjusting as necessary. The salt should enhance the flavors without overpowering them.
  5. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients. Be careful not to mash the lentils; they should remain intact for the best texture.
  6. Transfer the Mercimek Salatası to a serving dish. Serve immediately with fresh bread, allowing guests to enjoy the salad while the flavors are vibrant and fresh.
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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