Puy Lentil, Spinach and Pepper Salad with Baked Goats Cheese and Asparagus

A veritable feast of flavours this. I adore lentils, especially the tiny, chewy texture of puy lentils. Add goats cheese, sitting on a bed of sticky onion marmalade to it and some salty, crispy roasted asparagus and I am in food heaven!

For 2 people you need:

200g puy lentils
2 tsp veg stock powder
400ml water
1 pepper, diced
1 red onion, finely diced
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic syrup
1 bag spinach, washed and shredded

2 goats cheese circles
2 slices bread
2 generous spoonfuls of onion marmalade
1 tbsp pine nuts

1 bunch asparagus
salt and pepper

Begin by preparing the lentils: place the lentils, stock powder and water in a pan with a lid. Bring to the boil then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 mins. Then add the pepper, onion and spinach. Cook for 5-10 mins longer before seasoning, adding the balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

Spread the bread with the onion marmalade and top with the goats cheese. Season with pepper and then drizzle with some olive oil and top with some pine nuts. Bake in a medium oven for about 20 mins till the cheese is oozing and golden brown.

Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and season. Roast in a medium oven for about 8 mins.

Plate up with the lentils topped with the goats cheese and the asparagus on the side. Drizzle over some balsamic syrup and scoff. Utter foodie bliss. The lentil mixture is vegan on its own and makes a nice lunch dish. Obviously the asparagus vegan is too!