Pasta Shells With Lentils And Spinach

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This is a very filling vegetarian dish with a delightful variety of colors, textures and flavors. it is from the one-dish vegetarian" cookbook. i prepared it for my husband and his cousin (who is a nutritionist) and they both liked it."

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Steps

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Cook lentils , carrot , and celery leaves in 1 quart water for 15-20 minutes or until lentils are almost tender.

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Drain the lentils , and reserve the cooking water.

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Meanwhile , heat olive oil in large skillet.

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Add onions and thyme , and sautee for 10-12 minutes.

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Add the lentils to the skillet along with 1 cup of the reserved broth.

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Squeeze excess moisture from the spinach before adding to the skillet.

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Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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Simmer over low heat while pasta cooks.

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Cook pasta according to package directions.

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Drain and toss with lentil sauce.

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Add more lentil broth if too dry.

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Add parsley and serve with grated parmesan if desired.

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Ingredients

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lentils, carrot, celery leaves, extra virgin olive oil, onions, dried thyme, frozen chopped spinach, salt, black pepper, whole wheat pasta shells, fresh parsley