You've likely encountered lentils in various dishes, but have you considered pairing them with spring greens and a unique watercress walnut pesto? This combination transforms a humble legume into a vibrant, nutritious meal that's both satisfying and simple to prepare. As you explore this recipe, you'll discover how just five key ingredients can create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The earthy lentils, fresh greens, and creamy pesto come together in a dish that's not only delicious but also supports healthy eating habits. But there's more to this recipe than meets the eye…
Key Takeaways
- Combines earthy lentils with fresh spring greens and a flavorful watercress walnut pesto.
- Uses only five ingredients: lentils, spring greens, watercress, walnuts, and olive oil.
- Offers a nutrient-rich, plant-based meal high in protein and fiber.
- Can be served as a main course or side dish, suitable for various dietary preferences.
- Simple preparation process involves cooking lentils, making pesto, and tossing ingredients together.
History
Lentils, the humble legume at the heart of this dish, have a rich history dating back thousands of years. You'll find that these nutritious seeds have been cultivated since ancient times, with evidence of their consumption traced to the Neolithic period. Lentils were among the first crops domesticated in the Near East, becoming a staple food for many civilizations.
As you explore the history of lentils, you'll discover their significance in various cultures. In ancient Egypt, lentils were often found in tombs, believed to nourish the dead in the afterlife. The Greeks and Romans valued lentils as a food for the common people, while in India, lentils have been a crucial part of the diet for millennia.
You'll notice that lentils have played a role in religious traditions too, such as during Lent in Christianity.
Today, you can find lentils in cuisines worldwide, from hearty soups to salads like this one with spring greens and watercress walnut pesto. Their versatility and nutritional value continue to make them a popular choice for health-conscious eaters and those seeking plant-based protein sources.
Recipe
Lentils with Spring Greens & Watercress Walnut Pesto is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines earthy lentils with fresh, peppery greens and a flavorful nut-based pesto. This simple yet elegant meal is perfect for those looking to incorporate more plant-based options into their diet without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.
By limiting the recipe to just five ingredients, we've created a streamlined version that still captures the essence of the original dish. The combination of lentils, spring greens, watercress, walnuts, and olive oil results in a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will delight your taste buds while providing a wealth of nutrients.
- 1 cup (200g) dried green lentils
- 4 cups (120g) mixed spring greens
- 2 cups (50g) watercress
- 1/2 cup (60g) walnuts
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil
Rinse the lentils and cook them in a pot of boiling water for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender but still firm. While the lentils are cooking, prepare the pesto by blending the watercress, walnuts, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth.
Drain the cooked lentils and toss them with the spring greens and watercress walnut pesto. Serve the dish warm or at room temperature.
For best results, use French green lentils (Puy lentils) as they hold their shape well when cooked. If you prefer a creamier pesto, add a splash of water or lemon juice while blending.
To enhance the flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This dish can be served as a main course or as a side dish, and it stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
Cooking Steps
To prepare this nutritious dish, you'll start by rinsing and sorting the lentils before cooking them until they're tender yet firm.
While the lentils are simmering, you'll create a flavorful pesto by blending watercress and walnuts.
Once everything's ready, you'll toss the cooked lentils with spring greens and the freshly made pesto, then serve and garnish your creation for a visually appealing and delicious meal.
Step 1. Rinse and Sort Lentils
Before diving into cooking, you'll need to prepare your lentils properly. Start by measuring out the required amount of dried lentils, typically one cup for this recipe. Place them in a large, clean bowl and cover them with cool water. Gently swish the lentils around with your hand, allowing any debris or damaged lentils to float to the surface. Carefully pour off this water, along with any floating debris.
Next, inspect the lentils closely. Remove any small stones, discolored or shriveled lentils, or other foreign objects you might find. These can sometimes slip through during processing and packaging.
Once you've sorted through the lentils, rinse them again under cool running water. Use a fine-mesh strainer for this step to ensure thorough cleaning without losing any lentils down the drain. Shake the strainer gently to remove excess water.
Your lentils are now ready for cooking. This rinsing and sorting process is crucial as it removes any dirt, debris, or potential contaminants, ensuring your dish is clean and safe to eat.
It also helps prevent any unpleasant surprises in texture or taste when you're enjoying your finished meal.
Step 2. Cook Lentils Until Tender
Once you've rinsed and sorted your lentils, it's time to cook them to perfection. Begin by placing the lentils in a medium-sized pot and covering them with water or broth, using about 3 cups of liquid for every cup of lentils. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently.
As the lentils cook, you'll notice them slowly absorbing the liquid and becoming tender. Stir the lentils occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
The cooking time will vary depending on the type of lentils you're using, but generally, it takes about 20-25 minutes for green lentils to become tender. To test for doneness, simply remove a few lentils and taste them. They should be soft but still hold their shape, with a slight bite to them. If they're not quite ready, continue cooking and check every few minutes until they reach the desired consistency.
Once cooked, drain any excess liquid and season the lentils to taste.
Step 3. Prepare Watercress Walnut Pesto
The preparation of watercress walnut pesto is a simple yet crucial step in creating this vibrant dish. To begin, gather your fresh watercress, walnuts, and extra-virgin olive oil. You'll need a food processor or blender to achieve the perfect consistency.
Start by roughly chopping the watercress, ensuring you include both the leaves and tender stems for maximum flavor. Add the chopped watercress to your food processor, followed by the walnuts and olive oil.
Pulse the mixture several times to break down the ingredients, then process until you achieve a smooth, vibrant green paste. If the pesto seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or lemon juice to thin it out.
Don't forget to taste your pesto and adjust the seasoning if needed. A pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper can enhance the flavors beautifully.
Once you're satisfied with the consistency and taste, your watercress walnut pesto is ready to be combined with the cooked lentils and spring greens. This zesty, nutty pesto will add a burst of flavor and nutrition to your dish.
Step 4. Toss Lentils With Greens
With your pesto ready, it's time to bring all the elements together. First, drain the cooked lentils thoroughly, making sure to remove any excess water. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl, where you'll have ample space to combine all the ingredients.
Now, add the fresh spring greens to the bowl with the lentils. The warmth from the lentils will gently wilt the greens, creating a perfect balance of textures.
Next, spoon the watercress walnut pesto over the lentils and greens. Start with about half of the pesto, as you can always add more to taste.
Using two large spoons or tongs, gently toss the ingredients together, ensuring that the pesto coats the lentils and greens evenly. Be careful not to over-mix, as you want to maintain the integrity of the lentils and keep the greens from becoming too wilted.
Taste the mixture and add more pesto if desired, along with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Once you're satisfied with the seasoning, your lentils with spring greens are ready to serve.
Step 5. Serve and Garnish Dish
After tossing the lentils, greens, and pesto together, it's time to plate your dish. Divide the mixture evenly among serving plates, using a large spoon or tongs to create an attractive mound in the center.
For a more refined presentation, you can use a ring mold to shape the lentils into a neat circle.
To garnish, consider adding a few whole walnuts or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts on top for extra crunch and visual appeal. You can also scatter some fresh watercress leaves or microgreens over the dish to add a pop of color and freshness.
If you'd like to enhance the flavor further, drizzle a small amount of extra-virgin olive oil around the plate's edges. For a final touch, you might want to add a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper or a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Final Thoughts
Enjoying this nutritious and flavorful dish couldn't be easier. You've now mastered a simple yet elegant meal that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving it as a main course or a side dish, this lentil and spring greens combination is sure to impress your family and friends.
Remember, you can always adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding a pinch of salt or freshly ground black pepper.
Don't hesitate to experiment with different types of lentils or greens to create your own unique variations. You'll find that this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences.
If you're meal prepping, you'll be glad to know that this dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat it gently or enjoy it at room temperature for a quick and satisfying meal.
By incorporating this dish into your regular rotation, you're not only treating yourself to a delicious meal but also nourishing your body with wholesome, plant-based ingredients.
Embrace the simplicity and health benefits of this lentil and spring greens recipe, and make it a staple in your culinary repertoire.
