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Misc: Pasta with Lentils

Source of Recipe

Mario Batali


List of Ingredients

1 1/2 cups dried green or brown lentils, preferably Castelluccio variety, washed and soaked for several hours
1 small stalk celery, halved
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for garnish
1 slice pancetta or bacon, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Pinch red chile flakes
2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
Salt, to taste
7 ounces tubetti or spaghetti, broken into short pieces
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley


Recipe

In a large pot, combine the drained lentils, celery and 6 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce to an active simmer and cook for approximately 45 minutes, until the lentils are very tender.
In a 12 to 14-inch saute pan, heat the olive oil over high heat. Add the pancetta and render the fat. Add the onion, garlic and chile flakes. Stir in the tomatoes and cook a few minutes.
Once the lentils are tender, remove the celery, add salt and cook the pasta in the boiling water. Once the pasta is almost fully cooked, add the onion mixture and parsley and cook together for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve with extra virgin olive oil drizzle on top.
Yield: 4 servings