Cauliflower Salad with Lentils and Dates

By blum099

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup raw almonds
• 1 cup beluga or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into 1- to 1 1/2-inch florets
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of cayenne
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 10 dates, pitted and chopped
• 1/2 small red onion, sliced
• 4 cups loosely packed spinach or arug

Details

Cooking time 45mins
Adapted from foodandwine.com

Preparation

Step 1

1.Preheat the oven to 350°. Spread the almonds in a pie plate and toast for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden. Let cool, then coarsely chop. Increase the oven temperature to 425°.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the lentils with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Simmer over moderate heat until tender, 20 minutes. Drain well and let cool.
On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the cauliflower with the 1/4 cup of olive oil and the cumin, cinnamon, ginger and cayenne; season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes, turning, until the cauliflower is tender and golden brown.
In a large bowl, whisk the tahini with the lemon juice, honey, the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Add the lentils and season with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Scrape the roasted cauliflower into the bowl and add the toasted almonds, dates, onion and spinach. Toss the salad, transfer to a platter and serve.