Red lentil pasta can change texture quickly, so this recipe follows its own packet directions and combines it with the vegetables at the end. Courgette and tomatoes cook in a pan; the ham is added with the heat off. A little pasta cooking water brings everything together without a cream sauce.
4 main courses · about 25 minutes · 320 g red lentil pasta and 80 g ham. Do not automatically use the cooking time for wheat pasta.
Ingredients and timing for 4 servings
Preparation: about 10 minutes. Cooking: about 15 minutes, with pasta and vegetables cooked in parallel. Approximate total: 25 minutes.
Approximate timings: adjust cooking to the ingredient’s texture and its packet directions.
- 320 g red lentil spiral pasta
- 200 g courgette
- 200 g cherry tomatoes
- 20 ml olive oil
- 80 g sliced cured ham
- About 80 ml pasta cooking water, reserved to adjust the mixture
Step-by-step method
- Wash the courgette and tomatoes under running water. Using clean utensils, cut the courgette into small cubes, halve the tomatoes and cut the ham into strips. Store the ham as directed on its pack until needed.
- Heat the oil in a wide frying pan. Cook the courgette over medium heat for about 6–8 minutes, stirring. Add the tomatoes and cook for another 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Meanwhile, cook the red lentil pasta according to its packet. Check texture towards the end of the stated time; reserve about 80 ml cooking water and drain.
- Turn off the heat under the frying pan and combine pasta with vegetables. Add the reserved water gradually, only enough to distribute the juices without making soup.
- Add the 80 g ham at the end, divide between four plates and serve freshly made.
Jamones Paco Heredia for this article
Current selection from the related collection. Check format, weight and directions on each product page.
Jamones Paco Heredia
Current selection from the related collection. Check format, weight and directions on each product page.
View the collection →Adapt the recipe to your kitchen
Pulse pasta has no universal cooking time: thin and thick spirals may behave differently. If it breaks when mixing, check doneness earlier next time and stir gently.
You do not need to use all the reserved water. Add a few spoonfuls, mix and check the texture. Taste with the ham before salting and refrigerate any leftovers promptly, also following packet storage directions.
Fruit and vegetable hygiene: FDA guidance.
The selection follows the Jamones Paco Heredia catalogue. Check the collection for current products and their details.
Choose your ham and plan your purchase
You need 80 g of ham for the four suggested portions. Compare 80 g sliced ham packs and check that the listing is for ham if following these ingredients. The carousel may also include shoulder.
Cebo Iberian ham and 100% Iberian bellota ham are different categories; the recipe does not require the most expensive one. Check the specific product's ingredients and storage instructions. For other formats, explore ham to buy.