Introduction
This vibrant and nutritious recipe combines hearty black lentils, crispy roasted potatoes, fresh green beans, and creamy scrambled eggs with goat cheese, all topped with a flavorful garlic olive oil dressing. Perfect for a wholesome meal any time of the day, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Let’s dive into the ingredients and preparation steps to create this satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Lentils:
– 1 cup dry black lentils
– 2 cups water
– Pinch of salt
Roasted Potatoes:
– 2 medium potatoes, diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Green Beans:
– 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed
– Salt to taste
Tomatoes:
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Herbs:
– 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Eggs:
– 6 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Goat Cheese:
– 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
Garlic Olive Oil Dressing:
– ¾ cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons white vinegar
– 2 tablespoons water
– 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt (or 2 teaspoons table salt)
– Pinch of black pepper
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1–2 teaspoons sugar
– 1 large clove garlic
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
35-40 minutes
Total Time
55-60 minutes
Yield
Serves 4 people
This delicious dish is not just a meal but a colorful celebration of flavors and textures, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a comforting home-cooked dinner. Whether for breakfast or lunch, the combination of lentils, potatoes, and eggs ensures a filling and delightful experience. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Lentils:
– Rinse the lentils under cold water.
– In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils, 2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt.
– Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
– Drain any excess water and set aside.
Roast the Potatoes:
– Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
– In a bowl, toss the diced potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
– Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
– Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and crispy, stirring halfway through.
Cook the Green Beans:
– Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
– Add the trimmed green beans and blanch for 2-3 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp.
– Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Olive Oil Dressing:
– In a blender, combine ¾ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 2 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt, a pinch of black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1–2 teaspoons sugar, and 1 large clove of garlic.
– Blend until smooth.
– Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cook the Scrambled Eggs:
– In a bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined.
– Season with salt and pepper.
– Heat a nonstick skillet over low heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter.
– Once the butter is melted, pour in the eggs.
– Let them sit undisturbed for a moment, then gently stir with a soft rubber spatula, forming soft curds.
– When the eggs are nearly set but still slightly runny, add the crumbled goat cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
– Remove from heat and let the residual heat finish cooking the eggs.
Assemble the Bowls:
– Divide the cooked lentils among serving bowls.
– Top with roasted potatoes, blanched green beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and a generous portion of the scrambled eggs with goat cheese.
– Sprinkle with the remaining fresh herbs.
– Drizzle with the garlic olive oil dressing.
– Serve immediately.
Notes
Storage:
– Leftover components can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
– Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to the bowl.
– You can substitute the goat cheese with feta or omit it for a dairy-free option.
Cooking Eggs:
– For creamier scrambled eggs, you can add a splash of milk or cream before whisking.
Serving Suggestions:
– This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it suitable for meal prep or potlucks.
Herb Substitutions:
– If fresh herbs are not available, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the quantities, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Cook Techniques
Preparing Lentils
Rinse dry lentils under cold water before cooking. Combine lentils with water and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer until tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain any excess water.
Roasting Potatoes
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast until golden and crispy, turning halfway through the cooking time.
Cooking Green Beans
Blanch fresh green beans in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
Preparing Garlic Olive Oil Dressing
Blend olive oil, white vinegar, water, coarse sea salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, and garlic in a blender until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste as needed.
Cooking Scrambled Eggs
Whisk eggs in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Heat butter in a nonstick skillet over low heat. Add eggs and stir gently to form soft curds. When eggs are nearly set, add goat cheese and fresh herbs before removing from heat.
Assembling the Bowls
Divide cooked lentils into serving bowls. Top with roasted potatoes, blanched green beans, cherry tomatoes, scrambled eggs with goat cheese, and fresh herbs. Drizzle with garlic olive oil dressing and serve immediately.
FAQ
How long should I cook the lentils?
Cook lentils for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender.
What temperature do I roast the potatoes at?
Roast the potatoes at 400°F (200°C).
How do I know when the green beans are done?
Green beans should be bright green and tender-crisp after 2-3 minutes of blanching.
Can I make the garlic olive oil dressing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic olive oil dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
How do I achieve fluffy scrambled eggs?
Cook eggs over low heat and stir gently while they’re cooking to form soft curds, removing them from heat before they are fully set.
What can I substitute for goat cheese?
You can substitute goat cheese with feta cheese or ricotta if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
Conclusion
This vibrant and nutritious meal brings together a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The hearty black lentils provide a protein-packed base, complemented by the crispy roasted potatoes and tender green beans. The addition of creamy goat cheese and fresh herbs adds a burst of flavor, while the garlic olive oil dressing ties everything together beautifully. This dish is not only satisfying but also visually appealing, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome meal.
Roasted Vegetable Salad
Combine roasted carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini with the garlic olive oil dressing for a colorful salad. Toss in some quinoa and top with feta cheese for added creaminess.
Egg and Spinach Breakfast Bowl
Swap out the scrambled eggs for poached eggs and add sautéed spinach. Serve over the lentils and top with avocado slices and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Lentil and Chickpea Stew
Add canned chickpeas and diced tomatoes to the lentils during cooking, along with Moroccan spices like cumin and coriander. Serve with crusty bread for a comforting stew.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Mix lentils with cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and spices, then stuff into halved bell peppers. Bake until the peppers are tender and serve with a drizzle of the garlic olive oil dressing.
Herbed Couscous with Goat Cheese
Prepare couscous as a base and toss with fresh herbs, crumbled goat cheese, and a squeeze of lemon. Pair it with roasted vegetables for a light side dish.
