Monday, 4 December 2006

Tom Hanks' Lentil Salad

Tom likes this salad served with good bread and olive spread...

Ingredients

SALAD
1.2ltr/2pt water
2 onions, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
½tsp/2.5ml dried thyme
475ml/17floz green lentils
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

DRESSING
1tsp/5ml Dijon mustard
5tbsp/80ml balsamic vinegar
1tbsp/15ml sherry vinegar
120ml/4floz peanut oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

GARNISH
Fresh thyme
Trimmed spring onions
Shallots

Method

1 In a medium saucepan, bring the water to the boil. Add the onions, carrots and thyme and return to the boil.
2 Stir in the lentils, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 20 mins, or until just tender, and drain. Season to taste and allow to cool.
3 To make the dressing, whisk together the mustard, balsamic vinegar and oil. Season to taste.
4 When ready to serve, toss the salad with the dressing and garnish with the fresh thyme, spring onions and shallots.

Recipe from Morgan Freeman And Friends Caribbean Cooking For A Cause (£20, Rodale). For more info, visit www.rodalebooks.co.uk.

Proceeds from the sale of this book go to the Grenada Relief Fund.