Imagine a dish that wraps you in warmth, blends rustic Italian flavors, and transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece of comfort and nutrition. Lidia's Pasta with Lentils is not just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that promises to transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy with every single bite. Whether you're a busy home cook, a health-conscious foodie, or someone craving a hearty meal that's both delicious and nutritious, this recipe is your perfect kitchen companion.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 pound pasta of choice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water, removing any small stones or debris. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and diced carrots to the pot. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent garlic from burning.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed lentils. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, or until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Season the lentil mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- In a separate pot, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Add the cooked pasta directly to the lentil mixture. Stir gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water if the mixture seems too dry.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The consistency should be slightly soupy but not watery.
- Serve hot in individual bowls, garnishing generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Lentil Selection Matters: Choose fresh, high-quality lentils and rinse them thoroughly to remove any debris.
- Don't Overcook Lentils: Aim for tender but firm lentils - they should have a slight bite, not turn mushy.
- Pasta Water is Liquid Gold: Reserve some pasta water to adjust the consistency of your dish, creating a silky, cohesive sauce.
- Layer Your Flavors: Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots slowly to develop a rich, deep flavor base.
- Parmesan is Key: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the most vibrant, authentic taste.
- Customize Your Pasta: Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes - each brings a unique texture to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
