Name: Lentil Wild Rice Winter Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Salad
Ingredients: 4 medium shallots, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup olive oil, divided; 1 cup wild rice blend (I used a blend of wild rice, brown rice and red rice); 1 cup brown lentils; 4 cups vegetable broth (or water); 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds; 6 ounces arugula leaves; 1/2 cup blanched almond slivers; 1/2 cup torn mint leaves; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; salt/freshly cracked black pepper

Peel and slice shallots as thinly as possible. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium saute pan over medium-low heat and add the shallots and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until shallots are very caramelized and browned, about 30-45 minutes.

While the shallots are cooking, make the rice. In a medium saucepan with a tight fitting lid, combine rice, lentils, broth, and 1/2 teaspoon salt if using water. Bring everything to a full boil then lower heat, just enough to maintain a slow, steady simmer. Continue cooking until rice and lentils are tender and liquid is absorbed, about 45 minutes. Turn off heat and let stand for a few minutes.

While the lentils are cooking, heat a dry saute pan over medium heat and add the almond slivers and cook over medium heat, stirring for 2-3 minutes until almonds are lightly browned, taking care not to burn.

Assemble! Place the arugula and 1 cup of the rice/lentil mixture, almonds and torn mint leaves together in a salad bowl and lightly toss. Transfer to individual bowls/platter and top with the remaining rice/lentils and pomegranate seeds. Whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and balsamic vinegar together and drizzle over the salad. Garnish with flaky sea salt (like Maldon) and freshly ground black pepper.