Best 2 Orecchiette With Lentils Onions And Spinach Recipes

Orecchiette with lentils, onions, and spinach is a hearty and flavorful Italian dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The orecchiette pasta is a small, ear-shaped pasta that is made from semolina flour. It is cooked in a flavorful broth made with lentils, onions, garlic, and tomatoes. The dish is then finished with fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese.

This recipe is a great way to use up leftover lentils. It is also a good source of protein and fiber. The lentils are a good source of iron and folate, while the spinach is a good source of vitamin K and vitamin A.

In addition to the main recipe, the article also includes two additional recipes for orecchiette with lentils. The first recipe is for a spicy orecchiette with lentils and sausage. This recipe uses spicy Italian sausage and crushed red pepper flakes to add a kick of heat to the dish. The second recipe is for a vegetarian orecchiette with lentils and kale. This recipe uses kale instead of spinach and adds a nutty flavor to the dish.

No matter which recipe you choose, you are sure to enjoy this delicious and nutritious Italian dish.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

ORECCHIETTE WITH SAUSAGE AND SPINACH

Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

Kosher salt
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
8 ounces bulk sweet Italian sausage
1 bunch scallions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 14-ounce can cherry tomatoes
12 ounces orecchiette
8 cups baby spinach (about 4 ounces), roughly chopped
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 3 minutes. Add the scallion whites and rosemary and cook until the scallions begin to wilt, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes with their juices and 1⁄2 cup of the boiling water. Let simmer while you cook the pasta.
Add the pasta to the pot of boiling water and cook as the label directs for al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain.
Add the pasta to the tomato sauce along with the spinach and half of the scallion greens. Toss to coat the pasta and wilt the spinach, about 1 minute, gradually adding the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen. Season with salt, drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and remove from the heat.
Sprinkle the cheese over the pasta and toss well. Divide among plates or shallow bowls and top with the remaining scallion greens.

ORECCHIETTE WITH SPINACH, GARLIC AND BACON

Orecchiette With Spinach, Garlic and Bacon image

Make and share this Orecchiette With Spinach, Garlic and Bacon recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Elizabeth Fullerton

Categories Lunch/Snacks

Time 45m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 (10 ounce) box frozen spinach
6 -8 slices bacon
1 small onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb orecchiette, cooked (bowtie pasta works well too)
salt and pepper

Steps:

Cook pasta according to directions on the box.
While frying your bacon, defrost spinach in the microwave according to directions.
Sauté onion in olive oil until tender; add the garlic and sauté two more minutes. Add the spinach to the onions.
Crumble the bacon and add to the mixture.
Turn the heat to low to keep spinach mixture warm while the pasta finishes cooking.
When pasta is cooked, drain and place in shallow bowls, spoon spinach mixture over pasta and serve.
•Serving Suggestion: Sprinkle grated cheese over top.

Tips

Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your orecchiette. Look for ripe tomatoes, tender spinach, and flavorful lentils.
Don't overcook the orecchiette: Orecchiette should be cooked al dente, meaning they should be tender but still have a slight bite to them. Overcooked orecchiette will be mushy.
Sauté the onions and garlic until they are fragrant: This will help to release their flavors and create a flavorful base for the sauce.
Add the lentils and cook until they are tender: Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber, and they add a hearty texture to the dish. Cook them until they are tender but still hold their shape.
Add the tomatoes and spinach and cook until the spinach is wilted: Tomatoes add a bright acidity to the dish, and spinach wilts quickly and adds a pop of color.
Season the sauce to taste: Add salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings to taste. You may also want to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Serve the orecchiette with grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Conclusion

Orecchiette with lentils, onions, and spinach is a delicious and healthy vegetarian dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. The orecchiette is cooked in a flavorful sauce made with lentils, tomatoes, onions, and spinach. The dish is then topped with grated Parmesan cheese and served with a side of crusty bread. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.