Refreshing Lentil Salad

4 cups water

salt

1 ¼ cups dry lentils

2 large cloves garlic, minced

2 large roma (plum) tomatoes, seeded and chopped

½ cup chopped red onion

½ cup chopped green bell pepper

1 small green chile pepper, seeded and chopped

1 lemon, juiced

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 small carrot, shredded

½ cup oil-cured black olives

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

salt and ground black pepper to taste

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 hard-cooked eggs, cut in half lengthwise

Bring the water and salt to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Pour the lentils into the water while stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape, about 30 minutes. Drain well.

Transfer the lentils to a mixing bowl and stir in the garlic, seeded tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, and chile pepper. Add the juice of 1 lemon plus 1 teaspoon of the zest. Mix in the shredded carrot, olives, and cilantro.

Season with salt and black pepper, and drizzle with olive oil; mix well. Refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to blend.

Before serving, mix the salad again and add more lemon juice or olive oil if needed. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sliced eggs.