# Components:
→ Lentils and Vegetables
01 - 1 cup French green lentils, rinsed
02 - 1 bay leaf
03 - 8 oz broccolini, trimmed and halved
04 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
→ Vinaigrette
07 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
09 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
10 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
11 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
12 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ To Finish
13 - 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional)
14 - Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Combine lentils, bay leaf, and 4 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until lentils are just tender. Drain well, discard bay leaf, and set aside.
02 - Bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccolini and blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop cooking process.
03 - Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. Gently lower eggs into boiling water and simmer for exactly 7 minutes. Transfer eggs to an ice bath for 2 minutes to stop cooking, then peel carefully.
04 - In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified and smooth.
05 - Add warm lentils, blanched broccolini, red onion, and parsley to the bowl with vinaigrette. Toss gently to combine thoroughly and coat evenly with dressing.
06 - Divide salad among serving plates. Halve the soft-cooked eggs and arrange on top. Sprinkle with goat cheese or feta if desired. Finish with additional cracked black pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.
