Lentil And Arugula Salad With Saffron Aioli Recipes

Steps:

• Put the saffron in a small bowl with 1 tbsp boiling water. Leave for 10 mins to cool and for the water to turn a golden colour.
• Meanwhile, put the egg yolks, garlic, mustard and lemon juice in a jug or a tall container with a pinch of salt and blitz with a stick blender (or in a food processor) until smooth. Slowly add the olive oil, a small drizzle at a time, keeping the blender on, until you get a thick, glossy mayonnaise. Season with black pepper, then stir in the saffron water to loosen the aïoli and turn it a golden hue. Cover the surface and chill until ready to serve. Add a splash of water or lemon juice, to serve, if your aïoli thickens up too much in the fridge.

Steps:

• Cook the lentils in salted water, covered, for 30 minutes or until tender. Drain and cool. Add the shallot, vinegar and olive oil and toss well. Set aside.
• Make the saffron aioli. Peel the garlic cloves and mash them with half a teaspoon of salt in a mortar and pestle. Add the egg yolk and mix in thoroughly. Gradually add the olive oil little by little beating continually until you have a thick emulsion (this can also be done in a blender). Add the vinegar by the tablespoon to thin the sauce.
• Soften the saffron in the warm water. Add it to the aioli and mix in with a chopstick or a small fork. Let it sit for an hour or so, refrigerated, to develop the flavor.
• Thoroughly wash and dry the arugula. Arrange the leaves either on an individual plate or a large serving dish and spoon the lentils in the center. Serve with the aioli.

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, combine lentils, broth, water, and thyme sprigs. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, uncovered, until lentils are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and set aside in a bowl to cool.
• While lentils are cooking, roast red peppers over a gas flame or under the broiler, turning occasionally, until blackened. Place in a heat-proof bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let stand until cool. Peel and seed peppers, and cut into 1/2 inch slices. Place strips in a small saucepan with 1/2 tablespoon oil; cover, and cook gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until meltingly tender, about 10 minutes. Set aside, and let cool.
• In a large bowl, whisk together vinegars, salt, thyme leaves, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil until blended. Add half of dressing to lentils, and toss to coat. Add arugula, chicken, and cooled pepper strips to remaining dressing, and toss. Season both salads with salt and pepper. Arrange lentils into mounds on each of six salad plates, form a well in the center of each, and fill with arugula mixture.

Steps:

• Place lentils and 1 onion half in a medium saucepan; cover with cold water by 2 inches. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain; discard onion half. Transfer lentils to a medium bowl.
• Chop remaining onion. Combine vinegar and mustard. Pour in oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly until emulsified. Add chopped onion. Season with salt and pepper. Toss lentils with half the vinaigrette; let cool.
• Arrange half the arugula on a platter. Spoon half the lentils on top. Top with half the tomatoes and half the goat cheese. Repeat with remaining ingredients to form another layer; drizzle with remaining vinaigrette.