Earthy lentils and sweet roasted peppers are the foundation of this straightforward Uruguayan-style salad, finished with a simple dressing that ties the flavors together. It comes together in under 30 minutes and works as a filling vegetarian main or a protein-rich side dish.
Cook the Lentils: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of brown lentils with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
Roast the Peppers: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the quartered red bell peppers on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and roast for 15 minutes until soft and slightly charred. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, red wine vinegar, and ground cumin. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, roasted peppers, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Notes
Jen’s Tips:
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
You can substitute fresh parsley for cilantro if preferred.