In large pot, bring water to a boil and then add (one 8.8oz box) of pasta -- cook per package instructions. Note: if you're using Banza brand - it seems to cook faster than Barilla. I suggest rinsing the noodles a minute or more before suggested cook time. Know your stove!
Rinse the noodles under cold running water, drain and add to your bowl or Corning ware. (I typically need 1 large and 1 medium Corning ware containers). Mix in the olive oil, white wine vinegar, and seasonings to coat and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking: Cut your fresh broccoli to your liking, or unpack your frozen broccoli into a steamer or to a pot with 1 inch of water and a steamer insert. Cook for about 4 minutes, strain, and add to the pasta. Note: when I use frozen broccoli cuts, I will sometimes cut the broccoli into smaller pieces after I'm done cooking it. For a softer veggie, steam a bit longer.
While the broccoli is cooking: (see a time-saving trend here? #timers) slice your olives to your liking. I prefer two cuts short-wise into 3 small pieces, or long-wise in half. Wash, core, and cut up your bell pepper (I prefer mine diced). Add the peppers and olives to your pasta and toss together.
Sprinkle the 2oz of grated Pecorino or crumbled goat cheese on top, or mix into the pasta. The MAIN dish is now complete!
Side
Toast the bread and brush with olive oil. Then, spread the goat cheese on, or sprinkle grated pecorino cheese on top. If you want to melt the cheese after toasting the bread (and you don't have a toaster oven), simply place the cheese bread into a pan, cover with a lid and cook on very low heat until ready.
Notes
WHOLE RECIPE: Total Calories - 3,416. Total Cost - $12.30 . Grade - A . *Monthly Cost - $431Programming Notes:
This can be made into a vegan meal by substituting in vegan cheese.
The white wine vinegar is a low-cost healthy trick for adding a salty flavor without adding a bunch of sodium. Feel free to add more if it suits your taste buds!
If you're concerned about sodium content, consider decreasing the number of olives to half and switching to black olives. Check the package ingredient list - olives in water have less salt than in a brine solution. Be sure to rinse thoroughly before use.
Nutrition Facts Panel belowincludes calories & data from the side dish listed on the recipe.
*This refers to the monthly grocery bill if TWO PEOPLE ate cumulatively 4,000 Calories per day, and only ate this meal all month long. If you're running calculations for ONE person - divide the monthly cost in half.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Red Lentil Pasta for Everyone!
Amount Per Serving
Calories 488Calories from Fat 198
% Daily Value*
Fat 22g34%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 1g
Cholesterol 8mg3%
Sodium 390mg17%
Potassium 315mg9%
Carbohydrates 55g18%
Fiber 8g33%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 19g38%
Vitamin A 716IU14%
Vitamin C 82mg99%
Calcium 160mg16%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.