French Onion Chickpea Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8oz / 220g Explore Cuisine Chickpea Fusili Pasta
• 2x yellow onions, sliced thinly
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp sugar
• ¼ cup white wine
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 4x sprigs fresh thyme 
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 1 1/2 tbsp vegetable stock paste
• 3 cups water
• 1 tbsp tamari 
• ½ cup shredded Gruyere cheese 

Instructions:

1. Slice onions very thinly (this can also be done on a mandolin if you desire).
2. Heat a medium-sized pot or high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and once warm turn to medium-low and add the onions, sprinkle with salt and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally until the onions are caramelized and golden, this can take about 25-30 minutes.
3. Pour in wine and balsamic vinegar. Deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits at the bottom of the pan. Stir in vegetable stock paste. Add 4 sprigs of thyme and stir in salt and pepper.
4. Add lentil pasta, water and tamari. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring every few minutes to ensure pasta doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan and then reduce to medium-low, cover and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until al dente, stirring occasionally - the sauce should coat the pasta.
5. Sprinkle the gruyere cheese on top and put the lid back on with the pan on low. Let sit for a minute or two for the cheese to melt. Serve and enjoy!