Lentil Salad with Beets and Bacon

• 1 6 -ounce piece slab bacon, rind removed
• 1 sprig thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 8 black peppercorns
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1/2 cup dried French green lentils
• Kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 8 -ounce package vacuum-sealed cooked beets, roughly chopped
• Freshly ground pepper
• 2 small heads baby lettuce and/or frisee, torn into large pieces
• 1 Belgian endive, cut into large pieces
• 1 small shallot, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 8 to 10 fresh chives, cut into pieces

1. Chop about two-thirds of the bacon into 1/4-inch pieces; set aside.
2. Wrap the thyme, bay leaf, peppercorns and garlic in a piece of cheesecloth; tie closed with kitchen twine.
3. Combine the cheesecloth bundle, the remaining slab bacon, the lentils and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water by about 2 inches.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 25 minutes.
5. Drain, discarding the cheesecloth bundle and bacon; let cool.
6. Meanwhile, cook the chopped bacon in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and just crisp, about 10 minutes.
7. Drain on paper towels; set aside.
8. Make the dressing: Whisk the mustard and vinegar in a large bowl.
9. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until emulsified.
10. Toss the beets with about 1 tablespoon of the dressing in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper.
11. Assemble the salad: Add the lettuce, endive, shallot, parsley, chives and the prepared lentils and bacon to the bowl with the dressing; season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and toss.
12. Top each serving with some beets.
13. Photograph by Johnny Miller

bacon, thyme, bay leaf, garlic, kosher salt, mustard, red wine vinegar, extravirgin olive oil, beets, freshly ground pepper, baby lettuce andor, endive, shallot, parsley, fresh chives

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/lentil-salad-with-beets-and-bacon.html (may not work)