Ingredients
350 g Ditalini pasta (Dry)
250 g brown lentils (Dry)
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 bay leaf
1 sprig of rosemary
1 dried red chilli or 1 tsp chilli flakes
3 cloves garlic (finely sliced)
2 tbsp tomato paste
80 g grated parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
Step 1
1. Wash and soak the lentils for 30 minutes.
Step 2
2. Then rinse them and add them to a pan with water and boil until cooked. (about 20-30 mins)
Step 3
3. Heat the olive oil in a deep pan and add the bay leaf, rosemary and chilli.
Step 4
4. Add the garlic and fry for a few seconds on a low heat.
Step 5
5. Add the tomato paste and fry for a minute or so on a low heat.
Step 6
6. Add the lentils and the cooking liquid to the pan.
Step 7
7. Add some more water and a pinch of salt.
Step 8
8. Simmer for 10 more minutes then take a couple ladles out and blend until smooth.
Step 9
9. Add back to the pan to thicken.
Step 10
10. Add the pasta with a little more water and cook until the pasta is cooked.
Step 11
11. If the pasta has absorbed too much liquid you can add another splash of water to make it more oozy.
Step 12
12. Top the pan with parmesan and put under the grill (broiler) until golden brown.
