Pasta with harissa, lentils and feta cheese

20 minutes

This pasta with harissa, lentils and feta is a surprisingly delicious and slightly spicy alternative to traditional pasta with tomato sauce. This vegetarian dish combines the intense flavor of harissa with the smooth creaminess of feta. The lentils serve as a nutritious meat substitute and the fresh spinach provides an extra serving of vegetables, so a nice healthy combination.

What is harissa?

Harissa is a red pepper paste native to Tunisia. It is usually made from different types of hot peppers, spices and herbs such as garlic, cumin, coriander and sometimes mint. This ingredient adds both complexity and depth to dishes. The spiciness of harissa can vary, so always start with a small amount and adjust to taste. In this pasta, it provides a warming kick that contrasts nicely with the softness of the tomatoes and feta.

Healthy pasta recipes

If you like to eat healthy, you certainly don't have to avoid pasta. If so, put together your meal with pasta in a smart way. For example, you can choose a healthier type of pasta, such as whole wheat pasta, so that you have a nutritious base of your meal. In addition, you can add fresh ingredients to your pasta, such as the spinach, tomatoes and lentils in the recipe below. In this way, you can easily make a meal that contributes to a balanced diet.

Vegetarian pasta with lentils

Lentils are not only an excellent source of protein and fiber, but also add a delicious bite to this pasta dish. The lentils quickly take on the flavors of the tomato sauce and harissa, blending in perfectly. They also act as a nutritious meat substitute here, making this pasta with harissa handy as an easy vegetarian dinner.

More healthy pasta recipes

Pasta is always delicious, of course! Still think this dish is too spicy? Then take a look at this pasta with roasted bell pepper sauce agree, choose classic with this vegetarian pasta bolognese, or go for even more feta with this pasta with sautéed leeks and feta (There's no such thing as too much cheese, right?)

What you need:

2
160 gr pasta
200 gr baby spinach
380 gr lentils in spicy tomato sauce
1 tbsp harissa
30 gr feta cheese
handful of fresh basil
salt and pepper
olive oil

What to do:

1

Bring a pan of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Catch half a cup of cooking liquid when draining.

2

Heat some olive oil in a pan and fry the spinach in it until it has shrunk. Then add the lentils in tomato sauce along with the harissa and a generous pinch of salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer gently.

3

Add the pasta along with the cooking liquid and mix everything together.

4

Divide the pasta among the plates and garnish with the feta, basil and some pepper.

5

Enjoy and don't forget to share your dish in your Instastory with the tag @easyculi!