Lentils with ground Italian sausage and small shells can make for a delicious and hearty dish. Here’s a simple recipe for you to try:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and drained
- 8 oz small shell pasta
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare Lentils:
- Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain them.
- In a large pot, combine the lentils with enough water to cover them by about an inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Cook the lentils until they are tender but still hold their shape (about 20-25 minutes). Drain any excess water.
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the small shell pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Italian Sausage:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula as it cooks. Remove any excess fat.
- Add Vegetables:
- Add chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Transfer the cooked lentils to the skillet with the sausage and vegetables. Add diced tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer:
- Let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If the mixture becomes too thick, you can add more broth as needed.
- Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked small shell pasta to the lentil and sausage mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
This dish combines the earthy flavor of lentils, the savory goodness of Italian sausage, and the comforting texture of small shell pasta. Enjoy your meal!
