To make this tasty dish, first start by preparing the pumpkin. Cut the pumpkin into small pieces and roast in the oven until tender. While the pumpkin is roasting, cook the lentils until they’re tender. Drain the lentils and set them aside.
Next, cook the pasta. Fusillotti is a type of pasta that has spirals or twists, which makes it perfect for this dish as it will hold onto the sauce and other ingredients. Cook the fusillotti according to package instructions until it’s al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, start to prepare the ham. Slice the ham into thin strips and fry it in a pan until it’s crispy. Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
To make the sauce, heat up some olive oil in the same pan that you used for the ham. Once the oil is hot, add some garlic and sauté it for a few minutes until it’s fragrant. Then add the roasted pumpkin and lentils to the pan and stir well. Add a splash of water to the pan and let the mixture simmer until it thickens.
Finally, add the cooked fusillotti to the pan with the pumpkin and lentil sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. Serve this dish with the crispy ham on top for added texture and flavor.
Fusillotti with pumpkin, lentils and crispy ham is a dish that’s perfect for fall or winter when pumpkins are in season. The sweetness of the pumpkin pairs well with the earthy flavor of the lentils, while the crispy ham adds a salty crunch to the dish. This recipe is also flexible, as you can substitute the ham with another type of protein like chicken or tofu if you prefer.
Additionally, this dish is not only delicious but also full of health benefits. Pumpkin is a great source of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for good eye health and for a healthy immune system. Lentils are also a great source of fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full and may also help to lower your cholesterol levels.
In conclusion, Fusillotti with pumpkin, lentils and crispy ham is an easy and delicious meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in. It’s healthy, hearty, and packed full of flavor. Try this recipe the next time you want to make something that everyone in the household will love.