food for vegetarians : lentil salad {more veganomicon deliciousness}

this one was super easy, and, of course, yum-yum-yummy. here's the recipe:

4 cups vegetable broth
2 or 3 sprigs thyme
2 bay leaves
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 tsp dried tarragon
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup uncooked French lentils
1 small red onion {only used 1/4 of an onion}
1 small tomato diced
2 radishes, grated
1 small carrot grated

dressing:

2-4 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp dijon mustard
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced

bring the broth, thyme, bay leaves, garlic cloves, tarragon, and salt to a boil in a medium-size sauce-pan.
add the lentils and bring again to a low boil.
cover the pot with the lid tilted, allowing a little room for steam to escape.
let cook for 20-25 minutes. the lentils should be soft enought to eat but still firm enought to not lose their shape.
while the lentils are cooking, stir together all the dressing ingredients in a mixing bowl.
drain the lentils in a mesh colander. let cool, giving the colander a few shakes every couple of minutes so that they drain and cool faster.
once lentils are lukewarm (about 15 min), remove the bay leaves, chunks of garlic, and thyme sprigs.
add the lentils to the dressing along with onions, tomato, and radishes, and toss to combine.
season with salt and pepper to taste, cover, and chill for at least half an hour.