Lentils With Lemon Dressing (Adas Mtabbal)
A hearty and flavorful lentil dish with a zesty lemon dressing, perfect for healthy meals and suitable for vegetarians and those seeking Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the lentils in water for 40 minutes or until tender.
- Crush garlic with salt and add lemon juice and olive oil to make the dressing.
- Drain the cooked lentils and place them in a shallow bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the lentils and garnish with chopped parsley and chopped hot green chili pepper.
- Let sit for one hour before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, you can substitute brown lentils with green lentils for a firmer texture. If you're out of fresh parsley, try using cilantro or mint for a different flavor profile. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste; if you prefer a milder taste, use less. This dish is also great chilled, making it perfect for summer gatherings alongside Mediterranean recipes like Tomato, Cucumber And Onion Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish as a hearty side or a light main dish. It pairs beautifully with a fresh Watercress And Avocado Salad or as part of a larger spread featuring Peasant Soup. For an added touch, consider topping with crumbled feta or olives for extra flavor. Enjoy it with warm pita bread for a satisfying meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits. To reheat, gently warm the lentils in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. You can also enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lentils With Lemon Dressing (Adas Mtabbal) contains roughly 171 calories, with 3g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1557mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned lentils to save time. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the dressing. Since canned lentils are already cooked, you can skip the boiling step and simply combine them with the dressing and garnish.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This recipe is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products, making it a great choice for those following a vegan diet. The combination of lentils and olive oil provides a good source of protein and healthy fats.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more hot green chili peppers or include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing. Adjust the level of spice according to your preference to make this dish as fiery as you like.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).