Gavin's French Lentils, Roast Beetroots, Caramelised Red Onion, Walnuts & Marinaded Feta

One of the best things about this dish is its versatility - it's delicious both ways! Most people love it cold or at room temperature, especially during warmer months. The flavours actually develop more when it's had time to sit in the fridge, and the feta marinates everything beautifully. If you prefer it a bit warmer, let it come to room temperature naturally. Either way, it's absolutely moorish.

French lentils (also called Puy lentils) are smaller and have a gorgeous blue-green colour. The magic is that they hold their shape beautifully when cooked, giving you that perfect tender-but-firm texture rather than turning mushy. This means every forkful has that satisfying bite. They also have a slightly peppery, earthy flavour that's more interesting than standard brown lentils. Combined with Gavin's roasted beetroot and caramelised onions, they create a salad that's restaurant-quality but ready in minutes.

This 700g portion is designed to serve 4-6 people as a generous side dish, making it perfect for Christmas gatherings or family dinners. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, our Christmas centrepieces, or any main course that needs a flavourful accompaniment. The combination of earthy lentils, sweet beetroot, and tangy feta complements rich dishes perfectly, adding freshness and texture to your festive table without being too heavy.