Lentil Salad with Pasta

My go to dinner party, potluck, anytime happy dance comfort food pasta dish.

serves 4

Ingredients:

1 cup dried brown lentils
1 package pasta (shells or orecchiette)
2 T olive oil (plus more before serving)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 green onions, sliced in rounds
1/2 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 T lemon juice
1-2 T ground sumac
1/2 t ground cumin
1/2 t ground coriander
1/2 t paprika
1/2 t dried basil
1/2 t dried crushed Marash or Aleppo pepper (an Armenian pepper) *
1/2 t dried crushed Isot pepper (an Armenian pepper)

To do:

Cook lentils and pasta according to package directions.  
Meanwhile combine all the other ingredients in a large serving bowl.  Add the lentils and pasta, salt and pepper to taste.  Stir well and serve warm.

* I am fortunate to live near many Armenian markets and can get these ground peppers easily.  The taste is really unique so they are worth seeking out but if you can't find them then substitute with another pepper you like, perhaps something on the sweet/smokey side like Ancho.