Creamy Lentil and Bacon Bowties

I've seen the proverbial light, my friends. And that light looks a lot like dried beans.

Weird, right? I always imagined pearly gates and melodious harps. And Johnny Depp with his shirt off.

But for now, bagged legumes are my budgetary savior. I was a bit nervous cooking dried beans since I've only bought them canned before, but they're really, truly, supremely, and tremendously simple. Really!

Let's do some math here:
1 lb. dried lentils was $2.00;
There are approximately 6 cups of cooked lentils in one pound;
Which equates to 12 1/2 cup servings;
Thus, if E=MC^2,
b^x dx = b^x / ln(b) + C,
and jell-o shots + sweet tea vodka= an unfailingly horrible hangover,
then that means a serving of nutritious, filling, and tasty lentils cost: $.16!


Aww, yeah. Beans: they're what's for dinner. Tonight.

Creamy Lentil and Bacon Bowties   Serves: 1

For the lentils:

1 bag dried lentils

Water

1.) Pour lentils into a strainer and rinse with water. Pick out any rocks/ debris that may have made it into the bag. 

2.) Place lentils into a large pot and cover with water by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and let cook for 20-25 minutes, or until tender. 

3.) Portion into plastic containers and freeze for later use. Save 1/4 cup for your pasta!

For the pasta:

1 cup uncooked bowtie pasta (farfalle)

1/4 cup cooked lentils

1 T. bacon bits

1 T. whipped cream cheese

1 T. parmesan cheese

Dash of worcestershire sauce

Handful of spinach

Salt and pepper

1.) Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water.

2.) Meanwhile, heat the lentils and bacon bits in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the cream cheese and a dash of worcestershire sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. 

3.) Add the pasta to the skillet when it's done and add a handful of spinach. Toss to incorporate and let the spinach wilt. Sprinkle in the parmesan and stir. Add a bit of reserved pasta water if it seems too dry. Remove to a plate and serve.