Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a culinary masterpiece that defies ordinary pasta dishes! This extraordinary Pasta with Lentil and Apricot Sauce is not just a meal, but a symphony of unexpected flavors that will transform your dinner table. Imagine the rich, earthy lentils dancing with sweet, tender apricots, creating a sauce so unique and delicious that it will make your friends wonder about your secret cooking skills. Perfect for vegetarians and adventurous food lovers, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary magic in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g pasta
- 150g lentils
- 100g dried apricots
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water and drain. Place them in a medium saucepan with 3 cups of water and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer the lentils for about 20 minutes until they are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
- While the lentils are cooking, finely chop the dried apricots into small pieces and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cumin to the skillet, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Add the chopped apricots to the skillet and cook for an additional 3 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their sweetness.
- Stir in the cooked lentils, salt, and pepper. Mix well and reduce heat to low.
- In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta directly to the lentil and apricot sauce, tossing gently to ensure even coating.
- If the sauce seems too dry, add a little reserved pasta water to create a smoother consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Always rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any debris and ensure a clean taste.
- Don't overcook the lentils - aim for tender but still holding their shape for the best texture.
- Toast the cumin briefly in the pan to enhance its aromatic qualities before adding other ingredients.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Chop apricots finely to help them distribute evenly and melt into the sauce.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting the garlic and cumin in the olive oil before adding onions.
- If you want a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of vegetable broth or a dollop of plant-based yogurt.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or mint can add a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile - feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
