Pasta and Lentils (Pasta e Lenticchie)
This classic Neapolitan dish’s heartiness comes from cooking pasta with lentils so that the starches thicken the liquid into something creamier and richer than a basic lentil soup. There are many versions of this peasant food, including ones with pancetta, carrots, parsley or Parmesan rinds; some also use a hodgepodge of pasta shapes from half-empty boxes — it’s a true pantry meal. Brown lentils will fall apart more quickly than green, but they’ll create a luscious sauce either way. Stir the pasta often, especially towards the end of cooking, and add more water if the pot is dry (the sauce will thicken as it cools). Leftovers will keep for up to 3 days refrigerated; warm over low heat and add water to loosen.
- Total:
- Serves: 4 persons
Ingredients
- 3tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
- 1yellow onion, coarsely chopped
- 8garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
- Kosher salt (Diamond Crystal) and black pepper
- 1cup brown or green lentils
- 3thyme sprigs (optional)
- 3fresh or dried bay leaves (optional)
- 1(28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, cut in the can with scissors
- 10ounces tubular or ridged pasta, like penne or radiatore (or use long noodles broken into pieces)
- ½cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
Instructions
Step 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high. Add the onion and garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add 5 cups of water, the lentils and the thyme and bay leaves (if using). Partially cover, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, until the lentils are al dente, 25 to 30 minutes.Step 2
Add the tomatoes and 1 teaspoon salt, and bring to a boil over high. Add the pasta and cook, stirring often to keep the pasta from sticking to the pot, until the pasta is al dente, 10 to 20 minutes. (It may take longer than the cook time on the package.) If the pot starts to look dry at any point, add more water, ¼ cup at a time.Step 3
Turn off the heat, discard the thyme and bay leaves, then stir in the Parmesan. Cover and let sit for 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Eat with more Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.