Lentil Salad *

1. 1

   Wash and pick over lentils.

2. 2

   Put them in a pot with 1 1/2 quarts of cold water, the onion, bay leaf, salt, pepper and cumin. Bring the beans to a boil; turn off the heat and let stand 1 hour. Then simmer about 5 minutes, or until just tender.

3. 3

   Lentils used to take hours to cook, but most are processed now and the problem is to avoid mushiness.

4. 4

   (If you accidentally overcook them, you can turn the disaster in a good soup or pureed vegetable.)

5. 5

   Drain the lentils and discard the onion and bay leaf.

6. 6

   After cooling to room temperature, dress them with the vinaigrette and garnish with the eggs and parsley.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.