Cook for a number of extra minutes, stirring often. While the bacon is cooking, place a large pot of water over excessive heat and add in a generous quantity of salt. Once water boils, stir in the orzo and cook dinner till al dente about 7-9 minutes. Once orzo is completed cooking, drain pasta and set aside within the colander. Make sure to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. Divide the spinach or romaine among four plates (or containers if you’re making this for meal prep).
Best of all, the pasta dish is on the table in 35 minutes. Using canned lentils as an alternative of raw saves you at least half-hour of cooking time. Here, we simmer them rapidly with bacon and purple wine to play up their earthy flavor; sliced celery stirred in at the finish provides a fresh, crisp observe. The lentils make a terrific bed …