PASTA WITH LENTILS

PASTA WITH LENTILS

3 servings
This Italian pasta with lentils is one of the best nourishing meals you can cook using a few cupboard essentials such as dried lentils and pasta. It's an easy yet delicious 1-pot recipe, healthy, vegan and amazingly GOOD.Note: chose US customary or metric/tap on servings to scale quantities!

Ingredients

  • dried brown or green lentils

    rinsed

    1 ¼ c
  • short pasta shapes

    ditalini, elbows, orecchiette, mezzi rigatoni...

    1 ¼ c
  • vegetable or chicken broth

    plus more if needed

    5 c
  • cherry tomatoes

    cut into halves*), (see notes

    8
  • olive oil

    plus more for drizzling

    1 tbsp
  • garlic cloves

    minced

    2
  • small-sized onion

    diced

    1
  • tomato paste
    1 tbsp
  • ground cumin
    ¼ tsp
  • fine salt
    to taste
  • black pepper
    ⅛ tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and saute' for 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add garlic, tomatoes, bay leaves and stir for a minute (If you use canned tomatoes or only tomato paste rather than fresh tomatoes, add them along with the ingredients listed below).

  3. 3

    Add lentils, cumin, tomato paste, broth, and pepper.

  4. 4

    Increase heat and bring to simmer. Place lid on and turn the heat down to medium-low. Simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until lentils are soft.

  5. 5

    Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your liking (see notes).*

  6. 6

    Add pasta, cook gently over medium heat until al dente. Stir frequently!

  7. 7

    If the stew seems too thick, gradually add a touch of water or broth and thin to desired consistency (note: the longer it sits on the stove, the thicker it will get). Taste, you might want to adjust again the seasoning before serving.

  8. 8

    Serve with a drizzle of olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese if you don't keep it vegan. Also, garnish with chili flakes and chopped parsley for extra flavor if you like. Enjoy!

PASTA WITH LENTILS

PASTA WITH LENTILS

40 min3 servings513 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a truly satisfying and wholesome meal that's both easy to make and incredibly flavorful? This PASTA WITH LENTILS recipe delivers a nourishing dish crafted from simple cupboard essentials, proving that healthy, hearty eating doesn't require a specialty grocery run. What sets this recipe apart is its ingenious 1-pot method, transforming humble dried lentils and pasta into a deeply flavorful, comforting meal with minimal fuss. It's a testament to Italian ingenuity, combining hearty legumes with pasta for a complete, incredibly satisfying dish that feels both traditional and wonderfully fresh. Prepare for a wonderfully aromatic experience as you cook, filling your kitchen with the rich scents of simmering broth, garlic, onion, and a hint of earthy cumin. The finished dish offers a harmonious blend of tender, plump lentils and perfectly cooked short pasta, all coated in a savory, lightly sauced broth brightened by sweet cherry tomatoes. Each spoonful is a comforting embrace, a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. This naturally vegan dish is wonderfully nourishing, offering a comforting warmth that satisfies the soul. While this recipe shines in its simplicity, feel free to adapt it to your pantry. You can choose between dried brown or green lentils depending on your preference or what you have on hand. For the pasta, reach for short shapes like ditalini, elbows, orecchiette, or mezzi rigatoni—whichever you love most for soaking up all the delicious flavors. If you prefer, you can opt for chicken broth instead of vegetable broth, though the dish remains delightfully vegan with the latter. This PASTA WITH LENTILS is an ideal weeknight dinner, perfect for those evenings when you crave something wholesome and easy. Serve it simply in a bowl, perhaps with a drizzle of fresh olive oil, for a truly comforting and complete meal.

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