Description
This Lentil Tahini Pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender lentils simmered in vegetable broth with smoky spices and creamy tahini, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and fresh greens. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a nutritious, comforting, and vegan-friendly meal that makes a perfect weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 oz dry pasta of choice (rigatoni recommended)
- 1/2 cup dry lentils
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dry basil
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp tahini
- 2 cups loosely packed cooking greens (spinach, kale, or collards)
Instructions
- Cook Lentils: In a saucepan, combine the dry lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 10 minutes until lentils begin to soften.
- Cook Pasta: As the lentils approach the 10-minute mark, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Add Seasonings to Lentils: Remove the lid from the lentils. Stir in the tomato paste along with smoked paprika, dry basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder to fully infuse the lentils with flavor.
- Add Tahini and Greens: Stir in the tahini and the loosely packed cooking greens of your choice. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Sauce: Allow the lentil mixture to simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes so flavors meld and greens wilt.
- Prepare Pasta Water: Once pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add the drained pasta and reserved pasta water to the pan with the lentil sauce. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat the pasta with the flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately, enjoying the smoky, creamy pasta topped with tender greens and protein-rich lentils.
Notes
- You can substitute tahini with almond butter or sunflower seed butter if desired.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Leftover pasta can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors.
