Lentil and Bean Salad with Feta

 

This salad is just as delicious the day after prepared, so a great idea for a packed lunch or lunch ‘on the go’.

20 -30 mins Serves 4-6

200g mixed lentils ( puy, brown and green)

1 can Biona mixed beans

1 onion

1 clove garlic

5 cherry tomatoes

1 packet feta cheese

1 tbsp fresh chopped coriander

1 tbspoon fresh chopped basil

1 tbsp fresh chopped chives

1 tsp fresh chopped mint

1 vegetable stock cube

1tbsp Olive oil

1tsp Lemon Juice

 

Dressing:

2 tbsp Olive oil

1 tbsp lemon juice

1tbsp white wine vinegar

1tsp honey

Salt and pepper to taste

 

  • In a pan of boiling water, add the stock cube lemon juice, dash of olive oil and lentils. Cook on a medium to low heat for approximately 20 – 25 minutes until lentils are still firm but cooked through.
  • Add the beans to the hot water and stir through for a further 2 minutes and then drain
  • Meanwhile, finely chop the onion and garlic and transfer to a bowl
  • Tip the lentil and bean mixture into the bowl and cover with foil for 3 minutes just until the onions start to soften
  • Add the feta cheese, tomatoes, fresh herbs and leave under the foil for a further few minutes while preparing the dressing
  • Combine the remaining oil, vinegar, honey and lemon juice and whisk with a fork. Add salt and pepper to taste
  • Dress the salad and serve immediately with crisp breads

HEALTH BENEFITS

Beans and Pulses, or the umbrella term of legumes are often associated with cardio vascular health. As such they are an LDL bad cholesterol depressant. They may also be effective in managing blood pressure.

Legumes are also potent carriers of enzymes called protease inhibitors .  Nutritionists and scientists have long hailed the health giving qualities of beans as a high-fibre foodstuff containing enzymes thought to offer protection against the damage caused to cells by free radicals, which can lead to cancer.

Beans and pulses also help to maintain healthy function of the colon, helping to both cure and prevent constipation, and also keeping haemorrhoids and other bowel problems away.