If you haven't cooked with harissa paste before, then this recipe will be a treat. It's an aromatic North African chili paste made with roasted red peppers, hot chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spiced with cumin, coriander, and caraway.
Ingredients
For the Lentils
1 cup French green lentils, rinsed and drained
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp freshly-ground black pepper
For the Dressing
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp harissa paste
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp freshly-ground black pepper
To Finish
2 large carrots, peeled, quartered lengthwise and cut into ¼” pieces
In a large saucepan, combine the lentils, ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper and 5 cups water.
Bring to a simmer over medium-high, then reduce to medium and cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape, about 20-25 minutes.
Drain in a colander and cool for about 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, lemon juice, honey, harissa, cumin and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper.
Add the warm lentils, carrots, raisins and parsley; toss to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve sprinkled with the almonds.