Pasta With Spiced Lentils & Tomatoes

This comforting dish blends the earthy depth of brown lentils with the bright acidity of crushed tomatoes, all warmed with a fragrant mix of cumin, coriander, and ginger. The result is a sauce that is thick, savory, and slightly sweet, clinging perfectly to your favorite pasta. It is an ideal weeknight meal that feels substantial enough for a cold evening yet light enough for a healthy lunch.

Cooking Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Stewing

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Calories: 184.3

Dietary: Low-cal, Low-fat

Description

This comforting dish blends the earthy depth of brown lentils with the bright acidity of crushed tomatoes, all warmed with a fragrant mix of cumin, coriander, and ginger. The result is a sauce that is thick, savory, and slightly sweet, clinging perfectly to your favorite pasta. It is an ideal weeknight meal that feels substantial enough for a cold evening yet light enough for a healthy lunch.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon Corn or peanut oil
3 md Garlic cloves, chopped fine
1 small Onion, chopped fine
1 teaspoon Ground cumin
1 teaspoon Ground coriander
1 teaspoon Powdered ginger
1/2 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
1 can Salt-free whole tomatoes

Directions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2
While pasta cooks, heat oil in a large skillet or saucepan over moderate heat.
3
Add the chopped garlic and onion to the skillet. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
4
Stir in the cumin, coriander, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
5
Add the whole tomatoes, breaking them up with a wooden spoon or your hands. Stir in the brown lentils, sugar, and reduced chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegan option).
6
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook until the lentils are tender, about 30 minutes.
7
Remove from heat. Stir in the low-fat yogurt and finely shredded basil leaves.
8
Toss the drained pasta with the lentil sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 184.3kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 4.7g8%
Saturated Fat 0.8g4%
Cholesterol 1.0mg1%
Sodium 20.0mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 33.0g11%
Dietary Fiber 3.7g15%
Sugars 5.7g
Protein 6.4g13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: lentils, pasta, tomatoes, cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic, onion, vegan, vegetarian, healthy, dinner, easy, weeknight, savory

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/pasta-with-spiced-lentils-tomatoes/