Yemiser Selatta Ethiopian Lentil Salad with Shallots and Chile
Discover the vibrant flavors of Yemiser Selatta, a classic Ethiopian lentil salad packed with wholesome ingredients and bold seasonings. This refreshing dish features tender green lentils tossed with finely sliced shallots, zesty minced green chile, and aromatic parsley, all brought together with a tangy lemon-cumin dressing. Perfect as a chilled side dish or a light, satisfying main course, this vegan and gluten-free salad delivers a balance of hearty textures and bright, spicy notes. Ready in under an hour, Yemiser Selatta is as easy to prepare as it is delicious, making it an ideal choice for meal prep, picnics, or an elegant addition to any Ethiopian-inspired menu.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup green lentils
- 3 cups water
- 2 large shallots, finely sliced
- 1 medium fresh green chile, finely minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the green lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris.
In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
Drain the cooked lentils and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Allow them to cool slightly before proceeding.
In the meantime, prepare the shallots, green chile, and any optional red onion, and set them aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to create a dressing.
Add the shallots, minced chile, parsley, and (optional) red onion to the lentils. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice, if needed.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish or light meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
565 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.7 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.0 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1204 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 61.9 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.9 g | 71% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.3 g | ||
| Protein | 21.2 g | 42% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 123 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 9.8 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 1242 mg | 26% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
