Vegetarian Lentil Spaghetti Sauce

Submitted by ChefJenny

"This sauce can be frozen and saved for later. It is a hearty vegetarian meal that is easy to make. Lentils are a good source of protein, fiber, iron, folate, and B vitamins. They are also relatively inexpensive."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 5mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1⁄2 cup finely chopped carrot
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1⁄2 cups lentils, rinsed
• 1⁄2 teaspoon Italian spices
• 1 (28 ounce) can whole plum tomatoes in puree
• coarse salt
• black pepper
• 2⁄3 cup low-fat plain yogurt
• 1 1⁄2 lbs angel hair pasta or 1 1/2 lbs preferred pasta
• grated parmesan cheese (optional)

directions

1. Heat oil over a medium heat in a large pot.
2. Add onion, carrots, and garlic to the pot and stir about 5 minutes.
3. Add lentils and Italian seasoning.
4. Cook and stir until lentils are covered about 2 minutes.
5. Break plum tomatoes with hand and add to previous mixture with puree.
6. Add 4 cups of water and bring to boil.
7. Reduce heat to simmer.
8. Stir occasionally for about 45 minutes until lentils break down and become tender.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Remove from heat.
11. If eating right away, add yogurt. If you freeze, do not add yogurt yet.
12. Prepare pasta in large pot of boiling water with a little salt according to instructions.
13. Stir pasta in sauce.
14. Top with grated Parmesan if you prefer.

Reviews

[sconehead]

Everyone really enjoyed this! I used my pressure cooker to get it done faster, but otherwise I followed recipe as is! Thanks! We will definitely be putting this into the dinner rotation. I divided the sauce in half and froze for use another time.

 

[ccollins37]

Hearty and "heart healthy" if canola or olive oil is used. I added a diced green pepper and 8 oz can of sliced mushrooms, (drained), to the onion saute and substituted seasoned salt for a bit more punch.