Lentil Monster Mash Salad

Reposting this salad!  It was pretty popular so it deserves another run! 


Lentil Monster Mash Salad:

I only added the "Monster" part in there because it's getting close to Halloween!  :)

What You'll Need:
Main Dish:

• 2 cups red lentils
• Cumin Powder
• Curry Powder
• Garlic Powder
• Garlic Salt
• Cinnamon
• Organic Spinach
• Organic Spring Mix
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Sweet Red Onions

Dressing:

• Roma Tomatoes
• 3 cloves Garlic (or crushed garlic)
• Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
• Curry
• Salt/Pepper
•  

Equipment:

• Knife
• Cutting Board
• A deep pot
• Blender

Ahead of Time: 
Red Lentils:  (ours were orangey looking) - We got them bulk, DRIED at Sprouts for $1.39 a pound on sale.  Soak them overnight in water (about 16 - 24 hours) until they have taken on water and feel like a squishy bean again.  NOTE:  You do not have to soak lentils, they can go in the pot as is.  We soaked ours for the mashy quality!

Instructions:
After the lentils have soaked, take them out and place them in a deep pot with some water.  Cook them about 30 minutes until they are soft a mashy.  Add Cumin, Garlic Powder, Cinnamon and Garlic Salt to the mash (to taste, about 2 - 3 shakes of each - one shake of the garlic salt).  Keep stirring and tasting to get it how you like it. Add S/P to taste. Once you've made it into a thick mash, you are ready to go.
Start your salad plate with the lettuce mixes, cherry tomatoes, sweet red onion.  Place a scoop or 2 of the lentil mash on top.  Mmmmmmmmmmm!
The DRESSING!  We find it so hard to find good vegan dressings, but this one is great!  In your blender place 3 tomatoes, we used Romas, 3 cloves of garlic or one heaping scoop of crushed garlic in a jar, about an ounce of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, 2 shakes of Curry Powder and S/P to taste, put the cap on and blend away!  Blend for 30 seconds to make it super smooth.  Pour this yummy pink stuff on your salad and enjoy!

Why You Should Eat This:
First of all, the spinach, duh.  Leafy greens are always tops in our books!  But Lentils are KEY.  They are a "Superfood".   Rich in iron, Vitamin B and soluble fiber.  PLUS they have MEGA protein.  Here's the protein facts: 

Serving Size	Protein	Calories	Calories from Protein	Percent of Calories from Protein
Lentils, sprouted, cooked, stir-fried, with salt
100g	7.15 g	101.00	28.61	28.3%
Lentils, sprouted, cooked, stir-fried, without salt
100g	7.15 g	101.00	28.61	28.3%

Not to mention, they are just plain tasty!

P.S.  This Lentil Mash - can be used for anything!  As a side, on crackers, even just plain by itself!

You will enjoy this recipe!  It was fast and easy and convenient.  Make it yourself and post your comments and pictures!  We'd love to hear what you have to say about it!