Pasta with Lentils

Pasta with Lentils is a hearty and nutritious Lebanese dish that combines al dente pasta with protein-rich lentils, infused with aromatic spices. This vegan delight is not only satisfying but also packed with flavor, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine) - 150 grams
• Brown or green lentils - 100 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, diced
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Coriander - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Vegetable broth - 500 ml
• Fresh parsley - a handful, chopped
• Lemon - 1, juiced

Steps

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water and place them in a pot with 500 ml of vegetable broth. Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom.
4. Add the cooked lentils to the skillet and mix well, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the lentil mixture. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
6. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in plant-based protein from lentils.
• Rich in dietary fiber which aids in digestion.

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