Hearty Cucuzza Leaf Pasta with Tomatoes, Lentils & Peas
A comforting, old-world Italian-inspired pasta dish made with tender cucuzza leaves, slow-simmered tomatoes, garlic, lentils, and sweet peas. This nourishing one-pot meal is rich in vegetables, fiber, and plant-based protein while delivering incredible homemade flavor.
Ingredients
Method
- Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- Heat enough olive oil to coat the bottom of a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the diced sweet onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes.
- Add the minced garlic, Celtic salt, black pepper, basil, and crushed red pepper.
- Stir well, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes have broken down into a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Step 2: Cook the Cucuzza Leaves
- In a second Dutch oven, add the chopped cucuzza leaves.
- Pour in just enough filtered water to barely cover the leaves.
- Add ½ chicken bouillon cube.
- Bring to a gentle boil and cook until the leaves are tender while still maintaining their bright green color, about 10–15 minutes.
- Do not drain. Reserve all of the flavorful cooking broth.
- Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Step 4: Combine Everything
- Once all the components are cooked:
- Stir the cooked lentils into the tomato sauce.
- Add the frozen peas.
- Fold in the cooked pasta.
- Add the cooked cucuzza leaves along with all of their cooking broth.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld into a rich, hearty pasta dish.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional Celtic salt, black pepper, or crushed red pepper if desired.
To Serve
Ladle into warm bowls and top generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with warm crusty bread and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a comforting, satisfying meal.
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