Greek Lentil Salad

Serves 4 ~ Source ~ Enlightened Eating By: Caroline Dupont

Lentils provide six essential minerals, two B-vitamins, and protein-all with virtually no fat. The fiber in lentils helps to maintain healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels. As a nutritional superfood, lentils should be on your weekly shopping list. Enjoy in soups, stews, or try this healthy salad. It is delish!!
1 cup of brown lentils
4 cups of water
2 bay leaves
1 tsp of fresh thyme or ½ tsp of dried
2 garlic cloves.
Peeled ½ cup of diced celery ½ cup of mixed bell peppers, diced¼ cup of minced red onion½ cup of fresh chopped parsley1/3 cup crumbled feta or crumbled tofuDressing: ¼ cup of olive oil, 3 tbs of red wine vinegar, 1 tsp of ground fennel and Dijon mustard and salt and pepper to tasteRinse the lentils. In a medium pan, bring the lentils, water, bay leaves, thyme, and garlic to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about twenty minutes, until tender, stirring occasionally.Combine the dressing ingredients in a large bowl. Add the celery, pepper, onion, and parsley.Drain the lentils and discard the bay leaves. Remove the garlic, mash it and mix it back into the lentils. Toss the lentils with the vegetables and dressing and add the crumbled feta or tofu. Adjust seasoning. Serve warm or chilled. For information on the cookbook Enlightened Eating go to:www.carolinedupont.com