Lentil pasta is a versatile and nutritious dish that combines the simplicity of lentils with pasta, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. This recipe serves 6-7 people and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, depending on the choice of broth and cheese (if used).
Originating from Italian and Mediterranean cuisines, this dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The lentils add a rich, earthy flavor, while the pasta provides a comforting base. You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of lentils.
Lentils With Pasta
This lentil pasta recipe combines the simplicity of lentils with pasta, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. It serves 6-7 people and can be customized with different vegetables and types of lentils.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of lentils (rinsed and drained)
- 1 large or 2 medium carrots (peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (sliced and diced)
- A good handful of baby bok choy (optional)
- Veggie stock or just water
- Dry chili flakes (optional)
- A bag of whatever pasta you like
Instructions
- Add oil to a hot pot and throw in the diced onions. Cook for a couple of minutes, then add the garlic and chili flakes. When you start to smell the garlic, add the carrots. Cook for a few minutes.
- Add the lentils and season. Give everything a good mix and stir. Then add enough liquid to cover the lentils (about 1/2 inch over) and it could be all stock or all water or a mix of both. Bring it to a boil, cover the pot with a lid, then lower the heat and let simmer for an hour or until lentils are soft (give the lentils a stir once in a while).
- When the lentils have another 15-20 minutes of cooking left, get a pot of water going for the pasta. When water starts to boil, cook the pasta according to the directions on the box/package. Optional, add the baby bok choy into the pasta when you have about 2 minutes of cooking left. Drain the pasta and bok choy and add the lentils but not the liquid from the lentils. May need to season again. If the pasta looks dry, add a couple of tablespoons of the lentil soup. Grate some cheese over it and serve. Maybe a squirt of lemon juice here might be nice also.
Notes
For variations, you can use different types of lentils (green, brown, or French green) and add marinara sauce for extra flavor. Incorporating other vegetables like mushrooms and cherry tomatoes can also enhance the dish. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted according to your preferences.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 400Total Fat: 10gSodium: 400mgCarbohydrates: 60gFiber: 10gSugar: 5gProtein: 20g
