Lentils with Pasta and Caramelised Onions

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this comforting and hearty recipe for Lentils with Pasta and Caramelised Onions. This one-pot wonder combines tender lentils, perfectly cooked pasta, and deeply caramelized onions for a dish that is as nutritious as it is flavorful. A warm blend of cumin and paprika infuses the lentils with earthy, smoky notes, while a finishing drizzle of lemon juice adds a bright, zesty touch. Topped with fresh parsley and extra caramelized onions, this vegetarian recipe is a satisfying meal on its own or a versatile side dish. Ready in under an hour and packed with protein and fiber, it’s a wholesome yet indulgent option for busy weeknights.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Lentils
• 4 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 8 ounces Pasta (small shapes like ditalini or elbow)
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 large Onions (thinly sliced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils, water, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any remaining liquid and set aside.

Step 2

While the lentils cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, drizzling with a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes or until the onions are soft and deeply caramelized. Remove half of the onions from the skillet and set aside for garnish.

Step 4

To the same skillet with the remaining onions, add the minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.

Step 5

Add the cooked lentils to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta to the lentil mixture and toss to coat. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7

To serve, divide the lentil and pasta mixture among bowls. Top with the reserved caramelized onions, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, and a drizzle of lemon juice. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1754.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1195.9

Total Fat 58.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2818.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 139.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.4g	0%
Total Sugars 18.1g
Protein 33.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 232.3mg	0%
Iron 11.4mg	0%
Potassium 1380.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.2%

Protein: 11.0%

Carbs: 45.8%