Dynamite Duos: Jay Z and Beyonce, Victoria and David, Sonny and Cher – there are some duos that just work. CSL has a series of three recipes sure to be the new all-round culinary couples du jour. In this third and final in the series of complimentary culinary pairs: carrots and feta. Whether in a fresh or warm salad, enclosed in buttery-pastry pie or simply as companions on a crudité platter, the inherent sweetness of carrots pair well with the tart and creamy notes of feta cheese.
This salad is a combination of fragrant spices, sweet carrots, lentils, and herbs paired with a creamy yogurt dip. The addition of earthy tahini and floral za’atar to the yogurt takes it over the edge, and makes it perfect for dragging those carrots through to create an intensely satisfying bite. This super simple dish is a great meal on its own or as a side dish.
Serves 4
½ cup (125 ml) lentils
Roasted Carrots
1 pound (0.5 kg) carrots
¼ teaspoon (1 ml) turmeric
¼ teaspoon (1 ml) cayenne
¼ teaspoon (1 ml) cumin
¼ teaspoon (1 ml) cardamom
¼ teaspoon (1 ml) cinnamon
½ teaspoon (2 ml) salt
1 teaspoon (5 ml) vegetable oil
Dressing
4 cloves garlic, minced
⅛ cup (30 ml) lemon juice
zest of 1 lemon
½ teaspoon (2 ml) salt
¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
Dip
1 cup (250 ml) Greek-style plain yogurt
1 tablespoon (15 ml) za’atar or dukkah spice blend
1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
¼ cup (60 ml) tahini
To Assemble
½ cup (125 ml) parsley, chopped
½ cup (125 ml) mint, chopped (optional)
¼ cup (60 ml) feta cheese, crumbled
Cook lentils in 2 cups of water for about 15-20 minutes or until soft with a slight give. In a bowl, combine all dressing ingredients until emulsified. Once cooked, while still warm, fold lentils through dressing. Meanwhile, toss carrots in oil, coat with spices and roast in 350 °F (175 °C) oven for about 25-30 minutes. To make the dip, stir all ingredients together. Set aside. To assemble, dollop dip on plate and serve with roasted carrots, lentils, fresh herbs and feta.
Ingredient Spotlight
BCfresh Vegetables
The only better way to enjoy a fresh carrot is a fall-friendly roasted one. Bring out their sweetness by slowly caramelizing them in the oven. These gems from BC’s Fraser Valley are bright, clean and high in beta carotene, Vitamin A and potassium. 5lb bag; bcfresh.ca
Eden Organic Ground Cardamom
You may have only thought of using cardamom in baking or sweet applications, but did you know this powerful spice works equally well in savoury dishes? Add ½ teaspoon to your pantry spice mix for a gentle exotic flair. 52g, $11.61; store.edenfoods.com
Royal Command Zahtar (ZA’ATAR) Spice Blend
A staple in middle eastern cooking, this traditional aromatic spice blend includes sesame seeds, cumin, thyme, and sumac. The versatile spice is normally sprinkled atop flatbread with a touch of olive oil but is equally tasty over the top of hummus, or added to marinades or as a garnish to a savoury yogurt dip. 454 g, $20.06; qualifirst.com
This original recipe article first appeared in the Fall 2021 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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