8th January 2007

Orzo and Lentil Stew with Turmeric and Streaky Bacon

This is a lovely healthy winter dish.  If you are being extremely health conscious at the start of the new year, use a leaner cut of bacon, or omit the bacon and add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the stew.

250g streaky smoked bacon, rind removed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 tsp ground turmeric
1/4 tsp ground cumin
pinch chilli powder
1 litre chicken stock
3/4 cup puy lentils, rinsed
1/2 cup orzo, stellini or other tiny pasta
150g spinach, roughly chopped

Cut the bacon into lardons and fry for 5 minutes, until brown.  Set aside.  Heat oil in a large saucepan and add onion for 5 minutes on a low heat, without browning, then add garlic for 2 minutes.  Add turmeric, cumin and chilli powder and stir for a further 2 minutes, then pour in the stock.  Add the lentils and bring to the boil, then 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.  Serves 4.