Pasta with Pumpkin and Lentils

 Ingredients: 500 g of durum wheat semolina pasta, 2 small pattypan squashes, 2 leeks, 2 carrots, 500 g of green lentils, 200 ml of tomato puree, 2 bell peppers (I had frozen), 100 ml of oil, 1 small head of garlic, minced meat seasoning (to taste), 1 teaspoon of oregano, pepper, salt, and seasoning to taste.

In a large pot, bring water to a boil with a little oil and a pinch of vegeta for added flavor. When the water starts to boil vigorously, add your favorite pasta, making sure they are well covered by the liquid. Cook them according to the instructions on the package, until they soften and increase in volume, becoming tender and fluffy. These will become the base of your delicious recipe, providing the necessary carbohydrates for energy.

Meanwhile, take another pot and boil the lentils. Make sure you have chosen good quality lentils that will cook evenly. Start by rinsing the lentils under a stream of cold water, then add them to boiling water. Let them boil until they become soft, but not overcooked, as we want a pleasant texture in the final dish.

In a deep pan, chop the leek into thin rounds and sauté it in hot oil. When the leek becomes transparent and starts to soften, add the grated carrot, which will bring a natural sweetness to the dish. Mix well to combine the flavors. Then, peel the pumpkin and cut it into small cubes. Add it to the pan along with the julienned bell pepper. These vegetables will not only add color but also a rich flavor, full of vitamins.

Over the sautéed vegetables, pour 200 ml of water and let them simmer. Cover the pan with a lid to speed up the cooking. When the vegetables are soft, add oregano, the boiled lentils, crushed garlic, and tomato paste, mixing all the ingredients well. Finally, add the cooked pasta and carefully mix everything to combine the flavors. Let the dish simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.

At the end, season to taste with salt, ground meat seasoning, vegeta, and freshly ground pepper. Serve the dish in plates and enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner, full of nutrients and energy. This recipe is not only nutritious but also extremely tasty, combining varied textures and flavors that will delight your taste buds. Savor every bite and discover the joy of cooking at home!

 Tags:  meat garlic carrots broth pepper oil pumpkin lactose-free recipes vegetarian recipes