The cold, blistering winter months can cause a lot of mental and physical damage. But a colorful mix seasonal ingredients can keep you strong until the spring.
To make this balanced and simple meal, honey sweet roasted pear and tangy balsamic linseeds are combined with winter greens. They are rich in essential nutrients like vitamin C, folate, iron, and antioxidants.
“Combining the refreshing flavors of fruits and vegetables, this satisfying salad is soul-warming comfort food at its best,”Kathy Stephenson, director of marketing communications for the company, says USA Pears. “Roasted pears on a bed of greens with lentils capture the lively promise of springtime and the nourishment our bodies crave this time of year.”
Serve the salad warm. For a richer taste, you can top the salad with long curls parmesan cheese.
Warm Winter Greens with Balsamic Lentils, Roasted Pears and Balsamic Lentils
Ingredients:
* 2 bunches of winter greens, washed, dried and torn into large pieces
Lentils
* 2 teaspoons olive oil
* 1 small sweet onion, cut into half rings
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* freshly ground black pepper
* 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
* 3/4 cup brown lentils, rinsed
* 1 cup cold water
Roasted Pears
* 2 firm, ripe Anjou pears
* 2 teaspoons olive oil
* 2 teaspoons honey
* 6-8 sage leaves, torn
Pre-heat oven to 375°F Transfer greens to a large bowl. Place saucepan over medium heat. Once the saucepan has reached a boil, add olive oils, onions, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue to saute until the onions start caramelizing. To deglaze the pan, add vinegar and stir to loosen any bits. Cook for 3 minutes or until vinegar has reduced and the pan is almost dry. Cover the pan with lentils and water. Bring to a boil. After lentils have boiled, reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-18 minute or until they are tender.
Place pears on a sheet pan. Mix honey and olive oil together. Sprinkle over the pears. Toss the pears with the mixture, then transfer them to the oven. Bake pears for 12-15 mins or until they are tender.
Once the lentils have been cooked, add them to the winter greens. Use tongs to toss greens with lentils until they become soft and glossy. Mixture in a bowl. Add more olive oil to the bowl. Serve warm salad with roasted pear and sage leaves. Serve immediately
