Pasta with Lentils and Arugula

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced (4 cups)
coarse salt and ground pepper
12 ounces plum tomatoes, cored and diced (about 2 cups)
¾ cup lentils, picked over and rinsed
12 ounces orecchiette pasta
1 bunch (8 ounces) arugula, stemmed and coarsely chopped
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving (optional)

Orecchiette are small ear-shaped pasta shells; fusilli or farfalle can be used instead. You can also replace the arugula with two cups whole fresh Italian parsley leaves.

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and ½ teaspoon salt; cover, and cook until onions wilt, about 20 minutes. Uncover; raise heat to medium. Cook, stirring often, until onions are dark brown, 20 to 25 minutes more.

2. Add ¼ cup water; stir to loosen any browned bits from pan. Stir in tomatoes; remove from heat.

3. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, cover lentils with water by 1 inch. Bring to a simmer. Cover; cook until lentils are tender but still holding their shape, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain; stir into onion mixture. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Cook pasta in a pot of salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water; drain pasta, and return to pot.

5. Add lentil mixture, arugula, cheese, and reserved pasta water; toss. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with more cheese, if desired.

Per serving: 397 calories; 7.8 grams fat; 18.9 grams protein; 64.9 grams carbohydrates; 11.1 grams fiber

Pasta with Lentils and Arugula | Everyday Food
Serves 6 | Prep time: 35 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes