I’m seriously jonesing for a trip, a hike, some camping, just something. Reading magazines about beautiful provincial and state parks is just whetting my tastebuds for a bit of time outdoors. I’m ready to hop on my bike, strap on a tent and a couple of panniers and take a weekend away on my bike. Maybe because the weather is getting nice again and the days are getting longer, I’m getting restless and tired of being tied to my computer. Gimme some adventure please!
This meal, however, isn’t an adventure. It’s a few shades of brown but it is delicious, homey, and satisfying. I use lentils du puy because they stay firm after they’re cooked which gives them great texture. The Italian sausage is spicy and the yogurt adds a voluptuous creaminess that mixed in with some rotini makes this very comforting and good. And while my head is thinking of trips and the good times ahead, right now my reality is closer to home. I’ve got taxes to do, deadlines that need to be met and some spring cleaning that needs tending to. So I’ll reign it in, take a few bike rides around the city for a break and keep dreaming for a bit longer.
Elsewhere: Got leftover rice? No worries! I’ve got some great ideas and a recipe for what you can do with your rice leftovers over at ReadyMade.
french lentils with sausage, yogurt & pasta
1 c french green lentils, rinsed
250 g rotini or any short pasta
2 hot italian sausages
1/2 onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
broth, wine or water
3/4 c plain yogurt
salt & pepper, if necessary
Parmesan cheese1. Cook lentils in 3 cups of water in a lidded saucepan. Bring to a boil and then simmer over medium heat until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain.
2. In another pot, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. Meanwhile, remove sausage casings and crumble into a skillet over med-high heat. When the sausage starts turning brown, add in the onion and garlic and continue cooking until the sausage is cooked through and the onion and garlic is wilted and caramelized. If the sausage gets too dry, add in some broth, water or dry wine (red or white).
4. Add the lentils, pasta and yogurt into the sausage mixture and stir to combine. Sprinkle with salt and pepper if necessary and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
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Mmm, so warming! Also, I see you have a book out from my library branch 😉
Rotini is the homiest of pastas, I think. Italian sausauge and lentils. Heaven. I think we could all use some time away from our computers. 🙂
I recently found you on Flickr, because I did a search on “Liege Waffles”, which is one of my biggest culinary loves, and I found you, your Flickr stream, your blog, and your business. You are an amazing artist and the recipes you post are DELICIOUS sounding. I’ll definitely make this one, as I love lentils and I love pasta.
I subscribed to your feed and am looking forward to future updates. 🙂
Best,
Jackie
Oh my! Lentils and pasta – now there is a good idea!
Looks yummy and hearty! It reminds me of beef stroganoff. I also have been thinking more about the outdoors these past few days… I was thinking of day hikes…starting off easy and working my way up. Any ideas?
Ohhhh I loved The Bicycle Diaries! A perfect read alongside some sausage and pasta, haha.
I saw French lentils at the bulk store the other day and was wondering how they tasted. I usually cook with canned lentils which are mushy but also fast to prepare. I think I’ll give dry French lentils a try one day. And as for vacations and short weekend getaways, I’ll have to live vicariously through others as there are no vacation plans for me this year =(
Amanda, thank goodness for inter-library loans! Actually, I just use my library holds privilege to the fullest.
I think so too, Tracy!
Well then Jackie, we share a similar love. I wish I could find a good Liege waffle here, but so far I’ve found nothing that compares to fresh-off-the-grill ones from street vendors in Brussles. Thanks for subscribing 🙂
Helen, it’s a great combo.
Oh I never thought of that, Hag, but I can certainly see a resemblance! Too funny. I just got out a bunch of books from the library about local hikes, maybe we all should do one together!
Amanda, I’m just starting it now. I hope so!
Bijoux, I stopped using canned lentils over a year ago. I LOVE french lentils (and beluga lentils too) because they stay very firm. I just use red lentils when I want a quick mush.
i JUST made this and it was so, so amazing. thank you!!
holy delicious looking!! i am so full from dinner and eating about two too many of the cookie bars i made tonight for my post and i could make room for a bowl of this based on your photo! totally using this for date-night this week. thanks!!
This is one pasta I almost never use and it is a shame judging by your recipe, I should!
This weather has me wanting to go roaming around the city also. Unfortunately, anatomy lab calls.
This pasta dish looks delicious. I love that it’s relatively quick and so it won’t take time away from my adventures.
I love lentils! don’t love Joanne^^’s anatomy lab!
I’m not a big adventure girl, so staying at home with a warm bowl of comfort food and a good book is just my thing.
This looks delicious. And I would like to eat it right now for lunch surrounded by those books!
Yay, so glad you tried this out so quickly paiiige! Hooray!
I concur, Beth! I’d love to be full on cookies, however.
Taste, it’s a good one.
Bummer for school, hooray for dreaming of adventure!
Katherine, who likes anatomy? Kidding 😉 sorta.
Lynn, I can see the benefits. Cozy is nice too.
Siri, I love being surrounded by books and lunch 🙂
mmm. this looks yummy. i favorited it so i can make it one day.
I thought i was the only one who loved this combination of lentils with pasta. It’s not very typical but very delicious as you point out.
Looks fantastic, great recipe!!!
Hey I’ve newly discovered this blog. I’m catching up on five years worth of awesome recipes. I just adore your ice cream machine but I’ve not seen one like that in Australia. Feeling better about my choc mint addiction. (there are others out there!)
Mmmmm. That looks delicious!
This does sound like a comforting dish, and for being all browns, it comes across pretty well I’d say. Nicely done!
Caroline, it’s a good dish to favorite 😉
Wizzy, glad I’m not the only one who loves this delicious mess.
Thanks przepisy.
Tomeslate, hooray! Thanks so much for commenting. And yes, we love our ice cream machine a whole lot as you really do work extra hard for a delicious result.
Thanks Julie.
Well thank you, Margot.
Made this the other night – it’s fantastic! Yet another keeper from Kickpleat!
Jabba, so glad you loved this meal. It’s a good one.
I want to try making it this week – it’s irresistible.
Thanks Julia, I think so too 🙂
THIS. IS. SO. YUMMY.
Thanks for this wonderful recipe! My 13-month old loves it. I look forward to adding some veggies (maybe spinach?) in the future.
Glad you gave it a try, Julia!
Yay, Lee Anne, so glad you & your family loved this. Yes, it would be great with spinach.