This hearty, spiced vegan salad with a rich, tangy dressing is full of goodness and perfect for winter.
This meal provides 552 kcal, 29g protein, 57g carbohydrate (of which 9g sugars), 23g fat (of which 5g saturates), 11g fibre and 0.4g salt per portion.
Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6.
Arrange the cauliflower florets on a baking tray. Rub each with a little coconut oil and sprinkle over the cumin and salt. Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning the florets halfway through cooking, until browned all over and tender when pierced in the centre with a sharp knife.
Meanwhile, for the sauce, arrange the red pepper quarters on a baking tray and sprinkle with salt. Roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until soft with blackened, loosened skins.
Drain the lentils and rinse thoroughly in cold water. Put in a large saucepan and pour over 700ml/1¼ pints of cold water. Add the bay leaf. Bring to the boil, then reduce and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until tender. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl. Sprinkle over the sea salt and drizzle with olive oil, stirring well to coat the lentils. Set aside.
Transfer the roasted peppers to a food processor. Drain the cashew nuts and rinse thoroughly. Add the cashew nuts and remaining sauce ingredients to the food processor, blending until smooth and thick. Season with salt and pepper. Add a dash of cold water if the sauce is too thick.
Just before serving, stir the roasted cauliflower and parsley into the lentils.
Spoon the salad onto serving plates, drizzle a little of the red-pepper sauce over each portion and serve.
Tip 1: Any leftover sauce can be frozen or stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Tip 2: When roasting the cauliflower, make sure the florets are well spaced out so that they roast rather than steam.
Tip 3: If you can’t soak the lentils, rinse them thoroughly then cook according to the packet instructions.
