Spiced Lentil Pasta
A flavorful and nutritious dish combining pasta and lentils, seasoned with spices like cumin and smoked paprika.
Ingredients
Pasta and Lentils
- 200 g 200g pasta of choice Choose your favorite type of pasta.
- 1 cup 1 cup dried lentils Regular green or brown lentils work best.
Aromatics and Spices
- 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing the vegetables.
- 1 small 1 onion, diced Diced onion adds sweetness.
- 2 cloves 2 garlic cloves, minced Enhances the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon cumin Brings warm, earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Adds a smoky depth.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season to taste.
Sauce and Toppings
- 1 cup 1 cup yogurt For topping, can use plant-based yogurt for vegan option.
- 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons lemon juice Adds brightness.
- to taste Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, cilantro) for topping Use your favorite herbs for garnish.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Lentils
- Rinse the lentils under cold water. In a separate pot, combine the lentils with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain any excess water.
Sautéing Aromatics
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the cooked lentils and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the yogurt and lemon juice together, seasoning lightly with salt.
Serving
- Plate your Spiced Lentil Pasta and drizzle the yogurt sauce over it. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an added burst of color and flavor.
Notes
Feel free to customize the spices or add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. This dish stores well, making it great for meal prep.