Pasta with Lentils (Lentil Soup)

I realize that I have been posting quite a bit of pasta recipes lately.  Honestly, pasta is one of my favorite things to eat and there are so many ways to prepare meals with it that are quick, easy and inexpensive. Pasta with lentils is a more traditional pasta dish (more so than the Spicy Mexican Chicken Pasta and BBQ Chicken Pasta) but I am not sure how popular it is.  Lentils are unfamiliar to lots of people-but I promise they are really yummy.  If you like beans, I really encourage you to give them a try if you haven't.

I made this particular recipe on New Year's Day-it's a common meal to serve in Italy to bring in the New Year and is supposed to bring you prosperity (the lentils represent little coins) and good luck.  We both really enjoyed it and I will be making it again, and not just on New Year's Day.

Pasta with Lentils (Lentil Soup)

1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 celery stalks, diced
4 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices
2 garlic cloves, peeled
2 cups lentils, rinsed and drained
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes in sauce, not drained
Salt and freshly ground Pepper to taste
1/2 pound small pasta (I used elbows-broken spaghetti works great too), cooked al dente
Parmesan cheese, to taste

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.  Add the onions, celery, carrots and garlic.  Saute for 5 minutes until soft.  Stir in the lentils.  Add in the broth, water and tomatoes with their sauce.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. 

Add the cooked pasta and bring to another boil.  Remove from heat and serve with a drizzle of olive oil and grated cheese.


Adapted from Rao's Recipes from the Neighborhood