Roasted Beetroot, Lentil and Goat's Cheese Salad

Ingredients

• 600g raw beetroot, scrubbed and cut into wedges
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 200g dried Puy lentils, rinsed
• 1 garlic clove, peeled and left whole
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp clear honey
• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 80g rocket
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced into half-moons
• 150g soft goat's cheese, crumbled
• 60g walnut halves
• Sourdough bread, to serve
• Extra virgin olive oil, to finish
• 15g fresh flat-leaf parsley, leaves picked, to serve
• 10g fresh tarragon, leaves picked, to serve

Method

1. Heat the oven to 200°C fan. Toss the beetroot wedges with the olive oil, thyme sprigs and red wine vinegar, season well, and spread in a single layer on a large roasting tray.
2. Roast for 35–40 minutes until the beetroot is tender when pierced with a knife and the edges are beginning to caramelise. Discard the thyme sprigs.
3. Meanwhile, place the lentils in a saucepan with the garlic clove, bay leaf and enough cold water to cover by 5cm. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a steady simmer.
4. Cook for 20–25 minutes until the lentils are tender but still holding their shape. Drain, discard the garlic and bay leaf, and season well while still warm.
5. Toast the walnuts in a dry frying pan over a medium heat for 3–4 minutes until golden and fragrant, tossing frequently. Tip onto a board and roughly chop.
6. Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard and honey in a small bowl. Season to taste.
7. Toss the warm lentils with two-thirds of the dressing and spread across a large serving platter.
8. Arrange the roasted beetroot over the lentils, then scatter over the red onion slices and rocket.
9. Crumble the goat's cheese across the top and scatter over the toasted walnuts.
10. Drizzle the remaining dressing over everything, then finish with the torn parsley, tarragon leaves and a final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve with sourdough alongside.