If you like, grate some Parmesan cheese over the tossed pasta just before serving, or offer grated cheese on the side.

　　

Ingredients

serves 4

　　2 cups (14 ounces) French green lentils

　　2 garlic cloves

　　1 dried bay leaf

　　1 pound small whole-wheat chiocciole or other small tubular pasta

　　2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

　　4 leeks (about 1 3/4 pounds), white and light-green parts only, sliced into 1/8-inch rounds, washed well and drained

　　1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

　　1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt

　　Freshly ground black pepper

　　8 ounces baby spinach, washed

　　

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils, 1 garlic clove, and the bay leaf. Add enough cold water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the lentils are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain, and discard the garlic clove and bay leaf; set the lentils aside.

　　

Step 2

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta; cook until al dente, according to package instructions, about 7 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid. Place the pasta in a large bowl.

　　

Step 3

Meanwhile, mince the remaining garlic clove. In a large sauté pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, leeks, and thyme; cook, stirring occasionally, until the leeks are soft but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add the cooked lentils and salt; season with pepper.

　　

Step 4

Add the spinach and reserved cooking liquid to the pan; toss to wilt the spinach, about 2 minutes. Pour the mixture over the pasta, tossing to combine. Serve immediately.

　　

Fit to eat recipe

Step 5

(Per serving)

　　

Step 6

Calories: 638

　　

Step 7

Fat: 9g

　　

Step 8

Cholesterol: 0mg

　　

Step 9

Carbohydrate: 120g

　　

Step 10

Sodium: 793mg

　　

Step 11

Protein: 29g

　　

Step 12

Fiber: 11g

　　Reprinted with permission from The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The New Classics by Martha Stewart Living Magazine, copyright © 2007. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of The Crown Publishing Group.Buy the full book from Amazon.