Delicious Aubergine and Lentil Salad Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Delight

If you’re looking for a dish that combines rich textures and bold flavors, this Aubergine and Lentil Salad is the perfect choice. It is full of contrasting gorgeous flavours and textures, that make it satisfying enough to serve as a main course, but it also pairs wonderfully as a side dish with grilled meats or a light lunch option. Packed with roasted aubergines, earthy lentils, fresh herbs, and juicy tomatoes, this salad is going to be one you come back to again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the Aubergine and Lentil Salad you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 tbsp cumin seeds
• 2 tbsp coriander seeds
• 2 good-sized aubergines
• Olive oil
• 4 good-sized garlic cloves (you can adjust the quantity to taste
• 200g Puy lentils (or green lentils)
• 200g cherry tomatoes
• A generous handful (packet) of fresh mint
• A generous handful (packet) fresh coriander
• Salt

Step 1: Preparing the Lentils

If you’re using dry lentils, rinse them in a sieve to clean off and dust and powder, before putting them in a saucepan. Cover the lentils with water and cook over medium heat until they become soft but not mushy. This should take about 20-25 minutes, but always check and follow the instructions on your packet.

Once the lentils are cooked, drain them, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, and set them aside to dry.

If you’re using precooked lentils, drain and rinse with cold water (where necessary), and allow them to dry thoroughly.

Step 2: Toasting the Spices

Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C, gas mark 6).

To bring out the full flavor of the cumin and coriander seeds, it’s important to toast them lightly. In a dry saucepan, without adding any oil, toast 2 tablespoons of cumin seeds and 2 tablespoons of coriander seeds over medium heat for a couple of minutes. Keep stirring to prevent them from burning. Once they are fragrant and slightly golden, remove them from the heat and pour them into a pestle and mortar. Crush the seeds coarsely to release their essential oils and set them aside.

Step 3: Roasting the Aubergines

Start by trimming the ends off the aubergines and cutting them into bite-sized chunks. Place the aubergine pieces in a roasting tray and drizzle generously with olive oil. Sprinkle the crushed cumin and coriander seeds over the aubergines, and add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

Roast the aubergines in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, give them a stir and add the sliced garlic. Return the tray to the oven and continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes, or until the aubergines are golden brown and tender. Once done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large serving bowl to cool slightly.

Trim ends of aubergines and cut into chunks. Put them in a roasting tray and toss with olive oil, cumin and coriander seeds and salt. Roast for 10 mins, turn them, add sliced garlic and cook for further 10/15 mins. Remove from oven and put in large serving bowl to cool.

Step 4: Preparing the Fresh Ingredients

While the aubergines are roasting, prepare the fresh ingredients that will add a burst of flavor and color to your salad. Start by chopping the cherry tomatoes in half. The sweetness of the tomatoes complements the earthiness of the lentils and aubergines. Next, coarsely chop a small handful of fresh mint and a large handful of fresh coriander. These herbs add a fresh, zesty note to the salad, lifting the overall flavor profile.

Step 5: Assembling the Aubergine and Lentil Salad

Now that all your components are ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked and cooled lentils to the serving bowl with the roasted aubergines. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped mint, and coriander. Gently mix everything together, ensuring that the lentils, tomatoes, and aubergines are evenly distributed throughout the salad. The vibrant colors of the tomatoes and herbs will contrast beautifully with the rich, roasted aubergines, making this salad as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Adjusting The Aubergine And Lentil Salad To Taste

The salad can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or even chilled, making it a versatile option for any occasion. It’s a perfect main course for a light, vegetarian meal, or a flavorful side dish to complement a variety of meats.