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Ricette di Sicilia

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane


Sicilian Pasta with Lentils: A Hearty Taste of Tradition

Sicilian Pasta with Lentils: A Hearty Taste of Tradition

Discover Sicilian pasta with lentils, a wholesome and flavoursome dish that captures the rustic charm of island cooking.

⏱️
Prep Time
about 10 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
around 50 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 4
📊
Difficulty
Easy
💰 Budget-friendly
🗓️ Winter
4.9/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • 300g short pasta (ditalini or small tubes)
  • 250g cooked lentils
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 large carrot
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 500ml vegetable stock
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • sea salt, to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
380 kcal
Protein
14 g
Fat
6 g
Carbohydrates
68 g
Fiber
11 g

If you’re after a simple yet richly flavoured Sicilian dish, this pasta with lentils is just the ticket. A comforting classic from the island’s countryside, it brings together humble yet nourishing ingredients for a genuinely satisfying lunch, perfect for chilly days or a cosy, flavour-packed supper.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Cook the lentils in lightly salted water with chopped onion and carrot, following the timing on the packet.

  2. 2

    Warm the olive oil in a large pan and gently fry the whole garlic clove until golden, then remove it.

  3. 3

    Add the cooked lentils and a ladle of hot vegetable stock, stirring to combine the flavours.

  4. 4

    Tip the pasta straight into the pan with the lentils and continue cooking, gradually adding the stock as you would with a risotto.

  5. 5

    Stir frequently to prevent the pasta sticking and keep adding stock until you reach the desired creamy consistency.

  6. 6

    Once the pasta is cooked al dente, season with salt and a good grind of black pepper.

  7. 7

    Serve piping hot, drizzled with a little raw olive oil and, if you like, a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

💡 Tips and Variations

For extra depth, stir in some sun-dried tomatoes or a spoonful of tomato purée. If you prefer it silky, blend a portion of the lentils into the sauce. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle with toasted bread croutons.

📦 Storage

  • Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
  • Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of stock or water to bring back the lovely creamy texture.
  • Avoid freezing the pasta as it can become mushy; freeze the lentils separately and combine when ready to serve.
  • For a healthier twist, use wholewheat or spelt pasta.
  • Always serve warm to enjoy the comforting creaminess and Mediterranean aromas.

🍷 Pairing

Enjoy this comforting Sicilian pasta with a glass of Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG – a soft, aromatic red with cherry and red berry notes that beautifully balance the lentils’ sweetness and the pasta’s texture.

Why not bring a touch of Sicily to your kitchen with this simple yet soulful pasta and lentils dish? It’s the perfect way to warm up on cooler days, packed with nourishing flavours that’ll make you feel right at home. Whip it up for family or friends, and watch it disappear in no time — a true taste of Italian comfort food that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

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