Winter Lentil and Apple Salad
By: Gloria Ferri
Published: Thursday, November 11, 2010 - 10:27am

Ingredients




1 medium beet
3 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper
2 slices bacon, cut into thin strips
1 can (19 oz.) lentils
1/2 cup diced carrot
 cup finely chopped parsley
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
2 apples
1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)

Preparation

1 Peel beet and cut into pieces no larger than 1/2 inch.  Place on baking sheet and toss with about 1/2 tsp. of olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. 2 Roast in 400 degree F. oven, stirring once or twice until beet is tender, 15 to 25 minutes. 3 Meanwhile, in small frying pan, cook bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 7 minutes.  Remove to paper towel and pat dry.  Drain lentils and rinse with water, then drain well. 4 In medium size serving bowl, stir together beets, lentils, carrot and parsley.  Whisk together remaining olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and 1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper; stir into lentil mixture.  Core apples and coarsely chop; stir into salad.  Taste and add a little more lemon juice, salt or pepper, if needed.