Couscous and Lentil Salad

Vegan Instant Pot Pearl Couscous and Lentil Salad is a perfect blend of flavors, texture, and nutrients. A wide range of vibrant veggies, such as tomatoes, bell peppers, and carrots are also abundant in this salad. These vegetables improve the salad’s natural sweetness, crunch, and flavor while also adding more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This salad is an excellent choice for vegans because it does not include any ingredients originating from animals. The exceptional part of this salad is its flexibility. Lentils and couscous are easy to cook in the instant pot. Let’s make this salad by using the procedure listed below.

EQUIPMENT:

• One bowl
• Instant pot
• Large vessel
• One spoon

INGREDIENTS:

For Couscous and Lentil:

• French green OPuy lentils 1 cup
• Medium yellow onion 1
• Any color of bell peppers 2
• Diced-size carrots 2
• Chopped garlic cloves 6
• Pearl couscous 1 cup
• Low sodium vegetable broth 3 1/2 cup
• Kosher salt 2 tsp
• Crushed black pepper, to taste
• Bay leaves 2
• Handful of Fresh thyme springs

To Finish:

• Vegan-friendly Red Wine vinegar 1 1 /2 tbsp
• Two and one-half tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil
• Finely chop a small bunch of fresh dill 1, approx. 1 cup
• Crushed Fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley 1 cup
• One jar of cherry tomatoes
• Pitted and sliced green olives 15
• Ground black pepper, as needed
• Salt, per your liking

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Fill half a bowl of water and add dried lentils to this bowl.
2. Cover and leave it for two to three hours.
3. After three hours, rinse the lentil with regular water and drain its extra water.
4. Next, add bell peppers, soaked lentils, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, black pepper, vegetable broth, couscous, salt, crushed garlic, carrots, and onions in the instant pot.
5. Adjust the instant pot pressure to sealing mode and lock the cover.
6. Next, set its pressure and time to high flame mode for three minutes.
7. Cook all items in an instant pot according to pressure and time (mentioned above).
8. After three minutes, the timer has finished and buzzed.
9. Let the pressure automatically release for ten minutes.
10. After that, uncover the instant pot and remove its extra moisture.
11. Now, remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves.
12. Next, transfer the couscous and lentil mixture to a large vessel.
13. Set aside the vessel for eight to twelve minutes.
14. Then, add black pepper, vinegar, tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, chopped parsley, olives, salt, and dill to the lentil mixture.
15. Mix everything using a spoon until all spices merge well with the lentils.
16. Add more salt, vinegar, black pepper, and other seasonings to taste.
17. The tasty Instant Pot Pearl Couscous and Lentil Salad is ready to serve.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

Vegan falafel:

• This salad goes well with vegan falafel made with chickpeas.

Mediterranean mashup:

• Accompany the salad with a spoonful of vegan tzatziki sauce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices.

Lentil and couscous wrap:

• Arrange the salad, sliced cucumber, and vegan hummus on a whole wheat wrap.

Vegan Korean-style Bibimbap:

• Serve the crunchy salad with this dish created with rice.

TIPS:

Right type of lentils:

• You can try this salad recipe with a different kind of lentils.

Couscous:

• We used good-quality pearl couscous. It has a unique texture that pairs well with lentils.

Avoid overdressing the salad:

• Prepare the salad right before serving to keep the lentils and couscous from getting soggy.

Colorful:

Add some color to the salad with chopped fresh herbs, edible flowers, or pomegranate seeds.

Add veggies or herbs:

• Try this salad recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, spices, or herbs.

STORAGE INFORMATION:

Fridge:

• Store the leftover Couscous and Lentil Salad in an airtight box and refrigerate it for three to seven days.

Freezer:

• The cooked lentils and couscous mixture can be frozen, however, it is preferable to add the dressing and fresh herbs right before serving.

Reheating:

• If necessary, rewarm the salad in the microwave oven or on the burner with a little water or vegetable broth.

FAQs:

Can I use white or brown couscous instead of pearl couscous?

• Yes, you can use white or brown couscous, but pearl couscous has a distinct texture that goes nicely with lentils.

Which kind of lentils are used to prepare this salad?

• Red or green lentils work well in this dish but you can try this salad using several kinds of lentils.

Can I use bulgur or quinoa instead of couscous?

• Yes, you can use bulgur or quinoa instead of couscous, but make sure to modify the liquid ratio and cooking time.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION/SERVING:

Total Amount 4 servings
Total Calories 510 kcal
Carbohydrates 82 g
Dietary Fiber 22 g
Protein 22 g
Sugar 10 g
Total Fat 12 g
Sodium 763 mg
Iron 7 mg