Vegetarian

Chard and Lentil Pasta takes 20 minutes to prepare.

Chard and Lentil Pasta takes 60 minutes to cook.

Chard and Lentil Pasta makes 6 servings.

The ingredients for Chard and Lentil Pasta are:

1 large bunch rainbow or swiss chard including the stems (nutritional info calculated with 6 cups chopped chard)
2 cups water
1 cup brown or green lentils (uncooked)
1 medium onion
2-3 cloves garlic
1 tsp cumin seeds
red pepper flakes to taste (approx 1/4 - 1/2 tsp)
coarse ground black pepper
salt
4 oz Neufchatel cheese
6 cups cooked pasta (recipe originally suggested linguine, I prefer whole wheat ziti or cavatapi).
Optional parmesan cheese (not included in nutritional info)

Here is how you make Chard and Lentil Pasta:

Rinse chard well. Cut chard stems crosswise into 1/2 inch chunks. Place chard stems, 2 cups water, and rinsed lentils into a heavy bottomed 6 - 8 quart pot with cover (or slow cooker) While the mixture is coming to a simmer, dice the onion and garlic. Add to the pot along with the cumin seeds, red pepper flakes and black pepper. Once simmering, cover the pot and cook on med-low, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are almost tender. Approximately 40 minutes on the stovetop (6-7 hours on low in a slow cooker)Partway through start the water heating for the pasta.When the lentils are almost done, cut the chard leaves into 1/2 strips. Add to the pot and simmer for approximately 10 -15 minutes depending on the size of the chard and how well cooked you like your greens cooked. (Original recipe called for 30 minutes on high in the slow cooker) Meanwhile cook your choice of pasta according to the package directions until just tender. When the greens are cooked and the noodles almost ready, remove the lentil mixture from the heat. Allow to cool for a few minutes. Stir cubes of Neufchatel Cheese into the lentil mixture until you get a smooth sauce. Add a dash of salt. Combine cooked pasta with the lentil sauce and mix lightly to combine. Makes 6 servings.Number of Servings: 6Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user ARIANERA.

The nutritional information for Chard and Lentil Pasta is:

• Servings Per Recipe: 6
• Amount Per Serving
• Calories: 330.9

• Total Fat: 5.8 g
• Cholesterol: 14.4 mg
• Sodium: 418.0 mg
• Total Carbs: 56.4 g
• Dietary Fiber: 9.1 g
• Protein: 15.2 g

The dietary needs meet for Chard and Lentil Pasta is Vegetarian