Orecchiette are small ear-shaped pasta shells; fusilli or farfalle can be used instead. You can also replace the arugula with two cups whole fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves.

　　

Ingredients

serves 6

　　2 tablespoons olive oil

　　2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced (4 cups)

　　Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper

　　12 ounces plum tomatoes, cored and diced (about 2 cups)

　　3/4 cup lentils, picked over and rinsed

　　12 ounces orecchiette pasta

　　1 bunch (8 ounces) arugula, stemmed and coarsely chopped

　　1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving (optional)

　　

Step 1

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cover, and cook until the onions wilt, about 20 minutes. Uncover; raise the heat to medium. Cook, stirring often, until the onions are dark brown, 20 to 25 minutes more.

　　

Step 2

Add 1/4 cup water; stir to loosen any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the tomatoes; remove from the heat.

　　

Step 3

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, cover the lentils with water by 1 inch. Bring to a simmer. Cover; cook until the lentils are tender but still holding their shape, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain; stir into the onion mixture. Season with salt and pepper.

　　

Step 4

In a pot of salted water, cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water; drain the pasta, and return it to the pot.

　　

Step 5

Add the lentil mixture, arugula, cheese, and reserved pasta water; toss. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with more cheese, if desired.

　　

cleaning arugula

Step 6

Before using, always wash arugula well in several changes of cold water, until you no longer see any grit in the bottom of the bowl.

　　Reprinted with permission from Everyday Food: Great Food Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2007 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine's editors.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.