Lentil Salad with Tahini, Almonds and Pomegranate Molasses

Made with creamy tahini, toasted almonds and sweet-and-sour pomegranate molasses, this lentil salad boasts layers of complex flavor. Spice cabinet staples like smoked paprika or cumin work beautifully to enhance the earthiness of the lentils. If you have baharat in your pantry, by all means, use it instead. This blend of warm and savory spices, popular in Middle Eastern cooking, usually includes cardamom, coriander, cloves and cumin; you’ll find baharat in many supermarkets. We dress the salad while still warm and let it stand so the lentils absorb the seasonings.