A delicious recipe of tender spiced lentils and orzo pasta.
Turmeric Lentils and Pasta
![Plate of lentil and orzo mix topped with cilantro.](/sites/foodhero-prod/files/recipe-imgs/indian_lentils_and_pasta_v_watermarked.jpg)
Ingredients
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic finely chopped or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
3 cups water
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
½ cup dry lentils, rinsed
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon turmeric
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup orzo or tiny pasta
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Directions
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Rinse fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat (300 degrees F in an electric skillet). Add onion and garlic and cook 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in water, diced tomatoes with juice, lentils, cumin, turmeric and red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low (250 degrees F in an electric skillet). Simmer for 25 minutes.
- Add pasta and cook uncovered until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle with cilantro and serve warm.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Notes
- Serve topped with light sour cream or plain non-fat yogurt.
You might also like...
Pear and Cranberry Crisp
![Baking dish of baked pear and cranberries with an oat topping.](/sites/foodhero-prod/files/styles/120_wide/public/recipe-imgs/pear_crisp_v.png?itok=OAFIWx_T)
Pear and Cranberry Crisp
Whole grain oats, warm brown sugar, and sweet fruit make this a flavorful treat for breakfast or dessert.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
![Slow Cooker Pulled Pork](/sites/foodhero-prod/files/styles/120_wide/public/recipe-imgs/Slow%20Cooker%20Pulled%20Pork_v_WM.png?itok=PR56Phal)
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
This easy Pulled Pork recipe is made with pork shoulder and spices from your pantry. Slow cooking is a simple way to create tender and juicy pork for many different meals.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
7 to 9 hours
Makes:
5 cups
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 Servings
Potato Pals
![Plate of baked red potato quarters.](/sites/foodhero-prod/files/styles/120_wide/public/recipe-imgs/potato_pals_v_watermarked.jpg?itok=6TYMbceL)
Potato Pals
This side dish of roasted potatoes goes well with a variety of meals. Simple to make with only 4 ingredients or add your own favorite spices.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Applesauce French Toast
![Slices of french toast cooked with applesauce, vanilla and cinnamon are displayed on a plate.](/sites/foodhero-prod/files/styles/120_wide/public/recipe-imgs/applesauce_french_toast_watermarked_v2.jpg?itok=mzw0jgx0)
Applesauce French Toast
Flavorful, low-sugar breakfast option that’s perfect with your favorite toppings!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 Slices
Oven Baked Salmon
![Baked salmon filets on tin foil.](/sites/foodhero-prod/files/styles/120_wide/public/recipe-imgs/Baked%20Salmon_V_Watermarked.jpg?itok=E1Tqm8r2)
Oven Baked Salmon
Salmon is the star in this simple and tasty recipe ready in under 30 minutes.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 Servings
Comments
I liked the fact that with this recipe everything goes into the skillet right from the get-go (except the cilantro). It's super easy! I didn't have any remaining liquid in the skillet as mentioned in an earlier comment. Clientelle at the pantry really enjoyed the recipe. I did serve it with (optional) low-fat sour cream as suggested. I have had folks ask about cumin spice and what kinds of recipes call for it, so the Indian Lentils and Pasta is a good reference.
I made this recipe in one of my classes and participants said it contains too much sodium for her diet but the taste was good.
Your comment about the sodium made us re-check our nutrient analysis. We made an error by using a packaged orzo mix instead of plain orzo. So the good news is that the sodium is actually less than the original nutrition facts. We've updated the nutrition facts. In this recipe, most of the sodium comes from canned tomatoes. Using low sodium tomatoes would reduce it some. It's also possible to freeze fresh tomatoes without any added salt. See our Food Hero Monthly on Tomatoes.
I made this and there was still liquid in the skillet. The lentils and orzo were done at 35 minutes so I didn't cook the liquid off. The flavor was a bit bland, but then I added light sour cream and it was WAY BETTER! I'd try again with more spice.