why make this recipe
Lentil Pasta is a wonderful dish that combines the hearty texture of lentils with the comfort of pasta. It’s a simple, nutritious meal that is perfect for any day of the week. This recipe is not only delicious but also a great way to include plant-based protein in your diet. Lentils are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this pasta dish a healthy choice for the whole family.
how to make Lentil Pasta
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 large carrot (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 sprig rosemary (or thyme)
- 2 bay leaves (or sage)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)
- 12 cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (+ 2 cups / 500 ml for cooking the pasta)
- 1½ cups ditalini pasta (or other short pasta like penne, ditaloni, conchiglie, or rotini (7 oz))
- 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Italian parsley (chopped)
Directions:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven.
- Add 1 chopped onion and 1 chopped large carrot. Sauté for 4 minutes.
- Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 sprig rosemary, 2 bay leaves, and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Sauté for 1 more minute, stirring often.
- Add 1 cup of rinsed dried lentils, 12 halved cherry tomatoes, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes. The lentils should be almost cooked at this stage. Stir occasionally.
- Next, stir in 1½ cups of ditalini pasta and 2 more cups of vegetable broth. Simmer until the pasta is cooked, about 12 minutes. Stir often and add more broth if the sauce gets too thick.
- Taste and adjust for salt before serving, and top with 2 tablespoons of chopped Italian parsley. Optionally, add a squeeze of lemon or a grating of parmesan cheese.
how to serve Lentil Pasta
Serve Lentil Pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Adding a sprinkle of cheese or a squeeze of lemon can enhance the flavors further.
how to store Lentil Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Lentil Pasta can last for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, place it on the stove or microwave until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
tips to make Lentil Pasta
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste. You can add more spices or herbs for extra flavor.
- If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked lentils available in stores to speed up the cooking process.
- To make it vegan, simply skip the cheese and use vegetable broth.
variation
You can switch up the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Adding spinach, kale, or bell peppers can give the dish different flavors and textures.
FAQs
Q: Can I use different types of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use any short pasta you prefer, like penne or rotini.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: The recipe is not gluten-free if you use regular pasta. However, you can substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
Q: Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the lentil base in advance and cook the pasta fresh when you are ready to serve. This helps retain the best texture.
