The Blt Salad - Bacon, Lentil And Tomato

• 4 pieces bacon, preferably thick slices
• 2 cups green or black lentils
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 pound mini heirloom tomatoes, or other small tomatoes

1. Slice the bacon into strips. In a medium skillet cook the bacon pieces until crisp, then reserve. Meanwhile cook the lentils about 15 - 20 minutes, or until tender.
2. Pour the bacon grease into a measuring cup. If you have less than 1/4 cup, add olive oil to bring the level up to 1/4 cup. Return the grease to the pan.
3. Carefully add the balsamic vinegar, salt and thyme. Whisk the dressing, making sure to loosen any bits stuck to the pan. Remove from the heat and reserve.
4. Drain the cooked lentils and place into a large bowl. Pour the hot dressing over the hot lentils, and mix well. Let the lentils cool to room temperature.
5. Halve or quarter the tomatoes, depending on the size. Once the lentils are cooled, stir in the reserved bacon and the tomatoes. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.

bacon, green, balsamic vinegar, salt, thyme, heirloom tomatoes

Taken from food52.com/recipes/8568-the-blt-salad-bacon-lentil-and-tomato (may not work)