Pasta with Spiced Lentils

Pasta with Spiced Lentils is a delightful Moroccan-inspired dish that combines the heartiness of lentils with aromatic spices and a touch of fresh vegetables. This vegan pasta dish is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrition, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Pasta (any type) - 150 grams
• Green or brown lentils - 100 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion (finely chopped) - 1 medium
• Garlic (minced) - 2 cloves
• Carrot (diced) - 1 medium
• Red bell pepper (diced) - 1 medium
• Cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
• Coriander powder - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Vegetable broth - 250 milliliters
• Fresh parsley (chopped) - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.
2. In a medium pot, bring 500 ml of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
5. Stir in the rinsed lentils, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine the spices with the vegetables.
6. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally.
7. Once the lentils are cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley.
8. Toss the cooked pasta with the lentil mixture until well combined. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
9. Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 18 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.25 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in plant-based protein from lentils, promoting muscle health.
• High in dietary fiber, supporting digestive health.

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