Red Lentil Penne, Coconut Red Curry
Zucchini and Sweet Peppers, Turmeric Yogurt
Basil Scallion Chile Garnish
Would you believe that this is not a pasta dish? Actually, it is a lentil dish! Courtesy of my good friends at Explore Cuisine, red lentils are masquerading as pasta with a shape reminiscent of a pen or quill, aka penne. This penne is packed with protein and fiber, and is organic and gluten-free too.
Red Lentil Penne, Coconut Red Curry Recipe
Turmeric Yogurt Recipe
2 t. olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 t. turmeric
several grinds black pepper
a few shakes of ground cumin
6 oz. greek yogurt
salt to taste
Heat olive oil in a small sauté pan. Add garlic and cook for one minute. Turn off heat and immediately add turmeric, pepper, and cumin. Stir. Let the spices warm up for another minute or so. Swirl in the yogurt and add salt to taste. Set aside.
Coconut Red Curry Recipe
1 T. olive oil
1 medium shallot, minced
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch knob of ginger, minced or grated
1 serrano chile, thinly sliced
1 each small red, yellow, orange sweet pepper – sliced
1 1/2 T. red curry paste
1 medium zucchini, sliced
1 can light coconut milk
1 t. turmeric
several grinds black pepper
2 T. brown sugar
1 T. high quality fish sauce (or salt to taste if vegetarian)
Cook shallot in olive oil in a wok over medium heat until soft. Add garlic, ginger, serrano chile, and sweet peppers to cook another minute. Add red curry paste, stir and cook another minute. Add zucchini, coconut milk, turmeric, black pepper, and brown sugar. Simmer until the zucchini is soft. Season to taste with fish sauce or salt.
Meanwhile cook 1 box of Red Lentil Penne according to package instructions. Rinse and drain well.
Add cooked penne to wok to combine ingredients and heat through.
Ladle penne mixture into bowls. Add a generous dollop of turmeric yogurt on top.
Garnish
Top the dish with lots of sliced scallions and fresh basil ribbons. Heat lovers add thinly sliced serrano chile wheels too.