Pasta with Lentils and Arugula Recipe | PBS Food

Pasta with Lentils and Arugula

Orecchiette are small ear-shaped pasta shells; fusilli or farfalle can be used instead. You can also replace the arugula with two cups whole fresh Italian parsley leaves.

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Prep time: 35 Minutes

Total time: 45 Minutes

Yield: Serves 6

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    Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large onions halved and thinly sliced (4 cups)
  • coarse salt and ground pepper
  • 12 ounces plum tomatoes cored and diced (about 2 cups)
  • 3/4 cup lentils picked over and rinsed
  • 12 ounces orecchiette pasta
  • 1 bunch (8 ounces) arugula stemmed and coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving (optional)

    Directions

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and ½ teaspoon salt; cover, and cook until onions wilt, about 20 minutes. Uncover; raise heat to medium. Cook, stirring often, until onions are dark brown, 20 to 25 minutes more.
  2. Add ¼ cup water; stir to loosen any browned bits from pan. Stir in tomatoes; remove from heat.
  3. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, cover lentils with water by 1 inch. Bring to a simmer. Cover; cook until lentils are tender but still holding their shape, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain; stir into onion mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Cook pasta in a pot of salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water; drain pasta, and return to pot.
  5. Add lentil mixture, arugula, cheese, and reserved pasta water; toss. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with more cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Info

Per serving: 397 calories; 7.8 grams fat; 18.9 grams protein; 64.9 grams carbohydrates; 11.1 grams fiber
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