Lemony Italian Salad - Weekend Recipe

Rosemary is the star flavor in this Italian lentil salad. Use fresh rosemary for the perfect flavor, or cut the amount by half if you are using dry and be sure to crumble or crush the dry to release the aroma.

Lemony Italian Salad

• 2/3 cup dry lentils
• 1 1/3 cups water
• 5 plum tomatoes, chopped (about 1 ¾ cups)
• 3/4 cup finely shredded parmesan (3 oz)
• 3/4 cup finely shredded asiago (3 oz)
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves, or torn spinach
• 8 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto or ham (about 12 slices)
• 1/3 cup vinegar
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 Tbls lemon juice
• 1 Tbls Dijon style mustard
• 2 tsp snipped fresh rosemary
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp pepper

Directions:

Rinse lentils; place in a small saucepan with water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 20 to 25 minutes or until just tender. Drain and chill.

Arrange tomatoes, cheeses, spinach, lentils, and prosciutto in rows on a large square or rectangular platter, or a serving dish.

For dressing, in a screw-top jar combine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cover and shake well. Drizzle over salad. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

RECIPE THEME

Each month a theme is chosen and a number of recipes on that theme from my massive archive will be shared.  This year we have 12 new topics, different from the topics of last year.  

To find the recipes of last year, check out this recipe link or search the blog with the topic Recipe2018, Recipe2019, or Recipe2020.

 
You can search the monthly theme by looking for the theme keyword in the search box and it will pull up the recipes on that theme as posted, so look at the bottom of the recipe in each posting for the KEYWORD for each month.  All recipes this year will be tagged Recipe2021 so you can find them all.

The themes are:
Jan 2021 – Baked Items
Feb 2021 – Breakfast Dishes
March 2021 – Italian Dishes
April 2021 - Chicken Recipes
May 2021 - Appetizers
June 2021 – Mediterranean Dishes
July 2021 – Pork Recipes
August 2021 - Seafood
September 2021 - Pizzas
October 2021 – Mexican Dishes
November 2021 - Cookies
December 2021 – Gift Recipes

Happy New Year - wishing you Good Luck and Fortune in 2019

There are many foods that connotate good luck that are to be eaten on January first.  These are some of the most common.  I've linked each one with a recipe so you can enjoy and the best recipes combine more than one!

Noodles

In many Asian countries, people eat long noodles on New Year's Day in order to lengthen their life. One catch: You can't break the noodle before it's fully in your mouth.

Greens

Green symbolizes luck - think about four leaf clovers, money, and jade jewelry. Since many New Year’s resolutions include a healthier lifestyle, greens can translate into kale, brussels sprouts, and peas. 

Cinnamon

It is a powerful spice which has been used medicinally around the world for thousands of years. This is also a magical spice that is used for success, healing, action, energy, protection, prosperity, love, and purification.  A great item to move your life into a new place for the new year.

Pork

Pork, once reserved for the elite, symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Aim high this year by filling up with a hearty pork dinner on January 1st.

Cabbage

In Germany, Ireland, and parts of the United States, cabbage is associated with luck and fortune since its green hue resembles money. This includes sauerkraut, so a meal of pork chops and sauerkraut is the perfect New Year’s meal.

Fish

In some countries, people associate fish with moving forward into the new year since fish swim in one direction. Other people, however, think fish symbolize abundance since they swim in schools. 

Lentils

Thought to resemble coins, lentils are eaten throughout Italy on New Year's Day to bring good fortune in the year ahead.

Pomegranate

Long associated with abundance and fertility, pomegranates are eaten in Turkey and other Mediterranean countries as a sign of good luck. It doesn't hurt that this jewel-toned fruit is in its prime come January.

Black-Eyed Peas
Considered a common good-luck food in the South, black-eyed peas are thought to bring prosperity, especially when served with collard greens. Which brings us back to the beginning with green foods.  Another perfect combination.

May your New Year by Prosperous, Bountiful and Filled with Joy!