Pasta with Lentils and Kale

Ingredients for Pasta with Lentils and Kale

• 120ml French (small) green lentils

• 475ml water

• 3/4 teaspoons salt

• 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped (2 cups)

• 1/4 teaspoons black pepper

• 350g kale (preferably Tuscan

• sometimes labeled "lacinato")

• 350g dried short pasta

• Accompaniments: toasted bread-crumb topping and/or grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

How to make Pasta with Lentils and Kale

Simmer lentils in water (475ml ) with 1/4 teaspoons salt in a 1- to 1 1/2-quart saucepan, uncovered, adding more water if necessary to keep lentils barely covered, until tender but not falling apart, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat and season with salt.

While lentils simmer, heat 60ml oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté onion with pepper and remaining 1/2 teaspoons salt, stirring, 1 minute. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and golden (stir more frequently toward end of cooking), about 20 minutes. Remove lid and increase heat to moderate, then cook, stirring frequently, until onion is golden brown, 5 to 10 minutes more.

While onion cooks, cut out and discard stems and centre ribs from kale. Cook kale in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water , uncovered, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer kale with tongs to a colander to drain, pressing lightly. Keep pot of water at a boil, covered.

Coarsely chop kale and add to onion along with lentils (including lentil-cooking liquid), then simmer, stirring, 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.

Add pasta to kale-cooking liquid and boil, uncovered, until al dente. Reserve about 240ml pasta-cooking liquid, then drain pasta in a colander. Add pasta to lentil mixture along with about 80ml pasta-cooking liquid (or enough to keep pasta moist) and cook over high heat, tossing, 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.