Lentil pasta

Lentil pasta is a versatile product that will suit anyone who wants to diversify their daily diet. One of the main advantages of lentil flour pasta is the complete absence of allergens. It will also be appreciated by of a gluten-free diet fans.

What is lentils and where does it grow

In nature, lentils are an annual plant about half a meter high, belonging to the legume family. Central Asia is considered the birthplace of lentils, from where it gradually spread throughout the world, while gaining special recognition in Europe, as well as in India and Iran. In addition, in the Czech Republic, this culture has long been considered as a symbol of prosperity and wealth, which is why it is customary here to cook traditional lentil soup for the holidays.

This nutritious plant blooms for only a few days at the end of May. After flowering, pods with flat-shaped grains with a subtle nutty aroma are tied at the tips of the stems. The color of the grains and taste largely depend on the variety of lentils. Seeds of high quality are considered grains of green, brown and red shades.

In Russia, acquaintance with lentils took place more than half a century ago. For a long time it was used mainly for making porridge. Today, lentils grow in the Urals, in the west of Siberia, in the Volga region, as well as in other black earth regions of the country.

Nutritional value of lentils

Lentils are distinguished by the content of a whole complex of useful vitamins and vegetable proteins. The plant is valued for the presence in the composition of various nutrients, which, among other things, quickly give a feeling of satiety. Due to this quality, lentil dishes can easily replace bread and meat. In addition, this product is included in many diet meals and has several other beneficial features:

• strengthens the muscles of the heart and the immune system as a whole;
• helps to reduce blood sugar;
• saturates the blood with hemoglobin, due to the high level of iron.

Lentils are also called ‘vitamins of happiness’ for their ability to improve mood in stressful situations. This happens due to the amino acid tryptophan, which in the body is converted into serotonin, which is responsible for the regulation of behavioral reactions and emotional state.

How lentil pasta is made

The composition of each product is detailed on the packaging. It usually includes red lentil flour, pure water, and in some cases salt and spices.

The product has a high energy value – 321 kcal per 100 gr. It owes its beneficial properties to the vitamins and microelements present in the composition of the flour. Lentil pasta is also rich in easily digestible protein, beneficial amino acids and fiber, which have a positive effect on the digestion process.

Benefits of lentil pasta

The undoubted benefit of lentil products lies in its nutritional value for the body. Compared to regular pasta, it has many advantages:

1. high content of vegetable protein allows you to gain muscle mass without straining the kidneys and heart;
2. high fiber content regulates blood cholesterol levels;
3. small proportion of fat does not increase body weight, while quickly giving a feeling of fullness;
4. slower digestion due to higher fiber and protein content;
5. gluten-free pasta is suitable for people with celiac disease or those on a gluten-free diet for other reasons.

Lentil pasta recipes

Lentil pasta dishes are especially valuable for people on a gluten-free diet, as well as vegetarians, athletes and those who just want to diversify their daily diet.

Lentil pasta is cooked in the same way as regular pasta. This useful product is suitable for preparing recipes of various salads, casseroles, soups or as an independent dish. It also pairs well with both soy sauce and Italian pesto sause.

Here are some simple but nutritious and delicious lentil pasta recipes.

Lentil Pasta with Italian Federici Pesto Sauce

Ingredients:

• Lentil pasta – 300 g
• Pesto sauce – 1 can
• Herbs
• Salt and spices

Cook pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions. Set the cooked pasta aside in a colander to drain the water and let it cool slightly. Divide cooked pasta into bowls and serve with pesto sauce. Before serving, decorate the dish with aromatic herbs.

Lentil pasta stewed with vegetables

The original lentil pasta recipe for a family dinner. It takes only 20 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients:

• Lentil pasta – 300 g
• Zucchini – 1 pc.
• Eggplant – 2 pcs.
• Tomatoes – 5 pcs.
• Onion – 1 pc.
• Garlic – 3 cloves
• Bell pepper – 1 pc.
• Carrot – 1 pc.
• Olive or sunflower oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh herbs

Put a deep frying pan on the fire and add some oil. Cut the vegetables into cubes and first send the onions and carrots to stew. Wait for 2-3 minutes until they are reddened, and add chopped zucchini, eggplant, bell pepper, garlic and tomatoes alternately into the pan. Simmer covered for 5-6 minutes.

Now it remains to add lentil pasta to the vegetables. They do not need to be pre-boiled. Pour a cup of dry pasta into the pan and fill with water, so that the it is covered with liquid. Add salt and pepper and simmer for another 15 minutes. Gently mix vegetables and pasta and sprinkle with herbs.

A  tasty dish with a rich vegetable aroma is ready!

Chowder with lentil pasta and meatballs

This light delicious soup is prepared quickly and simply. Equally loved by both adults and children.

Ingredients:

• Ready meatballs – 200 g
• Lentil pasta – 100 g
• Potatoes – 3 pcs.
• Carrot – 1 pc.
• Onion – 1 pc.
• Salt and pepper
• Greens

Put a pot with water on the stove. When the liquid boils, throw in the meatballs and reduce the heat to medium power. Meanwhile, cut the vegetables into cubes. As soon as the water boils again, add the diced potatoes, carrots and onions in turn. Add some salt and pepper.

After 5-6 minutes, add your favorite lentil pasta to the pan. Cook for about 10-15 more minutes until done. Before serving, decorate the stew with fresh greens.

Lentil pasta with chicken and beans with soy sauce

Ingredients:

• Lentil spaghetti – 300 g
• Chicken fillet – 400 g
• Soy sauce – 5 tbsp.
• Starch – 1 tbsp.
• Carrot – 1 pc.
• Onion – 1 pc.
• White wine vinegar – 1 tbsp.
• Green string beans
• Olive oil
• Pepper and salt
• Fresh greens

Place a pot with water for lentil spaghetti on the stove and boil according to package instructions. Meanwhile, lightly marinate the chicken fillet. To do this, mix starch, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, vinegar and olive oil. Rub the chicken fillet with the resulting marinade and put in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.

When the pasta is ready, drain the water and set aside. Remove chicken from the refrigerator and fry it in olive oil until golden brown. Add salt and pepper. Lastly, stew carrots with beans and peppers until crispy.

Now it remains to combine the ingredients in a bowl. If desired, you can pour the dish with the remnants of soy sauce and garnish with herbs.

Bon appetit!