Not sure what to cook during Ramadan? Our favourite culinary queen, Farah Sawaf, has created six Iftar dishes exclusively for Emirates Woman that are not only high in protein and diverse in taste but also rehydrating, making them the perfect meals to serve for your loved ones during the Holy Month. Today, Farah reveals her recipe for the perfect orange blossom lentil salad.
“This salad is filled with protein and bursts of fresh flavours and textures to add to the joy of Iftar,” says Farah. “I even offer this salad as a snack during Suhoor.”
ORANGE BLOSSOM LENTIL SALAD
Serves 6 | 1 hour for soaking (minimum) – 25 minutes preparation
INGREDIENTS
2 cups brown dried lentils, rinsed well
2 cups plus 3 tbsp chicken or vegetable stock
2 firm ripe red tomatoes, deseeded and chopped
1 small red onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
1 cup halloumi cheese, chopped and soaked in warm water to de-salt
1 pomegranate
2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp good quality virgin olive oil
2 tbsp orange blossom water
¼ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
PREPARATION
In a strainer, rinse and clean the lentils. Place the lentils in a large bowl and just cover with water and a pinch of baking soda, then place in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
Discard the water and place the lentils in a medium saucepan with two cups of stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until al dente. Drain the lentils and refresh them under cool water.
Add the tomato, onion, coriander, halloumi and pomegranate to the lentils.
In a small bowl, whisk the Dijon, olive oil, three tbsp stock, orange blossom water, salt and pepper.
Add the dressing to the lentil mix and toss to distribute the flavours.
Taste and season to your liking.
Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving, if you would like the dish served a little cooler. If you’re making this ahead of time, keep the dressing separate in the refrigerator until you’re close to serving time, then toss together.
All the ingredients for this dish are available from Lafayette Gourmet.
For more recipes from Farah, here
