Both lentil and swiss chard are famous for their nutritious values. Lentil has the third-highest level of protein, by weight, of any plant-based food. It is also a good of iron, dietary fiber, and folate. Swiss chard is rich in vitamins K, A, C and E, magnesium, manganese, potassium, iron, and dietary fiber. (source: whfoods.org)
This recipe combines these tow powerhouses to produce a well balanced and delicious vegetarian meal.
RECIPE: LENTIL CHARD PASTA
Serves 4📷
Ingredients
2 tbsp canola or olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tbsp thyme¾ tsp cumin¾ tsp corinder
¾ tsp garam masala
3 cloves garlic
1 cup lentil, picked and rinsed
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup water
3 medium carrot, finely chopped
1 bunch swiss chard
1-1/2 cup dry spiral pasta
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Heat oil in a large pot on medium high.
Sauté onion till it softens (about 3 minutes).
Lower heat.
Add the next 5 ingredients and stir till aromatic (about 1 minute)
.Stir in lentil and then broth.
Cover and simmer till lentil almost softens (about 35 minutes).
Add water or more broth as needed.
Add carrots.
Cover and continue to simmer for about 10 minutes
.Meanwhile, boil 2 quarts of water.
Add salt and steep the chard till it softens (about 2 minutes).
Drain the chard and put aside.
Reuse the water to boil the pasta as instructed.
Add the chard and pasta to the lentil sauce.
Add salt and pepper to taste.