3227. ORZO and LENTIL STEW with TURMERIC and BACON

makes four servings


100 grams bacon
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 pinch chili powder
4 cups chicken stock
3/4 cup lentils, rinsed
1/2 cup orzo
150 grams spinach, roughly chopped

Cut the bacon into strips and saute for 5 minutes, until browned. Set aside. Heat the oil in a large saucepan and add the onion cooking for 5 minutes on a low heat, without browning, then add the garlic and cook a further 2 minutes. Add the turmeric, cumin and chilli powder, stir, and cook for 2 minutes, then pour in the stock. Add the lentils and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer. After 10 minutes add the pasta, spinach and cooked bacon to the pan. Stir frequently and season to taste. The dish is ready when the lentils and pasta are cooked. If you want this more like a soup, simply add more stock. Serve in shallow bowls with a dollop of crème fraiche if desired, and a good grind of cracked black pepper.


bacon recipe courtesy of: supercoops (member), Calorie Count.