Roasted kumara, lentil and broccoli salad

Summary

Alright, let’s switch things up a bit! You’ve had salads, but have you tried the Roasted Kumara, Lentil, and Broccoli mix? It’s my personal twist on a dish I tried once at a trendy café downtown, and trust me, it’s a game-changer. Sweet kumara dances with hearty lentils and crispy broccoli, creating a plateful of flavors you won’t forget anytime soon. Let’s dive into this, shall we?

Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized kumara (yeah, that’s the fancy name for sweet potatoes), about 500 grams
• 1 mug full of green lentils, roughly 200 grams
• A couple of handfuls of broccoli florets
• A drizzle or two of olive oil, let’s say 30 ml
• A sprinkle of smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, as you like it!
• Dressing time:
  • A good glug of extra virgin olive oil, around 30 ml
  • Juice from half a lemon
  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
  • A smidge of honey
  • A pinch each of salt and pepper

Time:

• Prep: 20 minutes (maybe a bit longer if you’re dancing to some tunes)
• Cooking: 40 minutes
• So, about an hour from start to finish

Enough for 4 hungry folks

Nutritional Stuff (per serving):

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 11g
• Carbs: 50g
• Dietary Fiber: 10g
• Sugars: 8g
• Fats: 6g

Let’s get cooking:

1. First off, get your oven fired up to 400°F (200°C). It needs to be hot!
2. Grab a bowl, and mix your kumara chunks with olive oil, smoked paprika, and seasoning. Spread them out on a tray and let them roast until they’re all golden and delish – about 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, boil those lentils until they’re tender. Not mushy, just perfectly bite-able.
4. Get a pan, heat some oil, and give the broccoli a quick sauté. You want them still vibrant, not all floppy.
5. Mix all the dressing ingredients in a bowl. Give it a good stir.
6. Time to assemble! Get a big bowl, chuck in the kumara, lentils, and broccoli. Drizzle that dressing over, and give it all a gentle mix.

Some Tips:

1. Lentils can sometimes hide little stones or bits, so give them a check before cooking.
2. Want some crunch? Throw in some toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds.
3. Fancy a cheesy twist? A little crumbled feta wouldn’t hurt.

Serving Ideas:

• This is a pretty hearty dish on its own, but it’s ace with some grilled chicken or fish.
• Fancy bread on the side? Always a winner.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or coriander can really elevate the flavors.

I swear, every time I whip up this Roasted Kumara, Lentil, and Broccoli Salad, it’s like a mini party on a plate. I discovered it on a whim, tweaked it a bit (okay, a lot), and now, I can’t get enough. I promise, once you try it, you’ll be just as hooked! Enjoy!