Rocket [arugula] has become such a ubiquitous leaf, so often thrown into generic mixes of salad leaves, that it’s easy to forget how well it shines solo. Combined with the delicate aniseed note of fennel, some earthy lentils and a lemony dressing, it really comes into its own. Adding a few other peppery leaves also works well. With some good bread, this simple assembly is a supper in itself. It also makes a great starter.
SERVES 4
125g Puy [French, green] lentils
1 bay leaf
1/2 small onion
A few parsley stalks (optional)
1 large or 2 small fennel bulbs
About 75g rocket [arugula], or rocket mixed with a few other peppery leaves such as mizuna
FOR THE DRESSING
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons lemon juice
120ml rapeseed or olive oil
A pinch of sugar
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Put the lentils in a saucepan and add plenty of water. Bring to the boil and simmer for a minute only, then drain. Return the lentils to the pan and pour on just enough water to cover them. Add the bay leaf, onion, and parsley stalks, if using. Bring back to a very gentle simmer, and cook slowly for about half an hour, until tender but not mushy.
Meanwhile, to make the dressing, shake all the ingredients together in a screw-topped jar until emulsified.
When the lentils are done, drain them well and discard the herbs and onion. While still warm, combine with a good half of the dressing. Leave until cooled, then taste and adjust the seasoning; you could add a little more salt, sugar, pepper or lemon juice if needed.
Trim the fennel, removing the tough outer layer (unless they are young and very fresh). Halve the bulb(s) vertically, then slice as thinly as you can, tip to base.
Pile about two-thirds of the lentils into wide serving bowls. Scatter over the rocket and fennel and trickle over the rest of the dressing. Scatter over the remaining lentils and serve.
Recipe copied from “River Cottage Veg Every Day!”
First published in Great Britain 2011 by Bloomsbury Publishing
Text © 2011 by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
Photography © 2011 by Simon Wheeler
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