Delicious Red Lentil Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
A wise woman once said, “Food is not just fuel, it’s information. It talks to your DNA and tells it what to do.” As an Israeli chef, I am passionate about using ingredients that speak to the body in a nourishing way. This red lentil spaghetti sauce recipe is not only delicious, but also filled with wholesome and nutrient-dense ingredients.
Red lentil pasta has become increasingly popular in recent years as a gluten-free alternative to regular pasta. Lentils, in general, are rich in protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy throughout the day. Red lentils, specifically, have a slightly sweet and nutty taste that adds depth of flavor to any dish.
This tomato-based sauce recipe is quick and easy to make in just under 30 minutes. It is perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time but still want a filling and satisfying meal. The combination of garlic, onion, herbs like oregano and parsley, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth creates a savory and aromatic base for the red lentil spaghetti sauce.
Not only is this recipe vegan-friendly and naturally gluten-free (if using red lentil pasta), but it’s also easily adaptable. You can adjust the spice level according to your preference or even add some roasted bell peppers for an extra layer of sweetness.
I hope you try out this red lentil spaghetti sauce recipe and let it speak to your taste buds in its own special way!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: a warm bowl of spaghetti with a rich and flavorful sauce that tantalizes your taste buds. Now imagine that same dish with added health benefits, and gluten-free to boot! That’s what you’re getting with this red lentil spaghetti sauce recipe.
I understand that sometimes it can be difficult to convince yourself or your loved ones to try new foods, but trust me, this recipe is worth it. The red lentils used in the sauce give it a creamy texture and rich umami flavor. Plus, not only are red lentils gluten-free, but they are also packed with protein and fiber, making this dish a hearty and filling meal.
But wait, there’s more! In addition to being delicious and healthy, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can substitute the spaghetti for gluten-free or regular lentil pasta, or even use it as a sauce for other dishes like grilled vegetables or roasted bell peppers. The possibilities are endless!
So give your taste buds a break from the regular spaghetti-and-marinara routine and try out this red lentil spaghetti sauce recipe. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser and become a go-to in your kitchen for its taste and incredible health benefits.
Ingredient List
Let’s gather all the ingredients we need to make this mouth-watering Red Lentil Spaghetti Sauce recipe. Don’t worry, all of them are easily available in your local grocery store or supermarket.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Red Lentils: Not only are these lentils packed with nutrients, but they also add a delightful texture to the sauce. You can use regular red lentils or red lentil pasta.
- Olive oil: It is used as a base for frying the onions and garlic until they are golden brown.
- Onion: A finely diced onion will add a rich sweetness to the dish.
- Garlic: For an aromatic flavor, we will stir in minced garlic cloves.
- Vegetable broth: You can use store-bought or homemade vegetable broth to give some depth of flavor.
- Diced tomatoes: To make our sauce tomato-red, we’ll need canned diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste: Tomato paste is great in Italian cooking since it adds thickness and richness to the sauce.
- Oregano: This herb has a subtle, slightly bitter taste that goes great with tomato sauces.
- Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley is sprinkled over the dish before serving to add a fresh herbal fragrance.
- Salt and pepper: Just a pinch of salt and pepper are used for seasoning.
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to get cooking! Here is the step-by-step guide to making the perfect Red Lentil Spaghetti Sauce.
The Ingredients You Need:
- 2 cups of dried red lentils, rinsed
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté the onions until they’re translucent.
- Add in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Next, pour in the vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well.
- Now, stir in the red lentils and add one cup of water. Bring everything to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let this mixture simmer for about 20 minutes or until the lentils are cooked through and have absorbed most of the liquid.
- After that time, mix in one tablespoon of tomato paste and one teaspoon of dried oregano. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Let this warm through until it thickens up into a pasta sauce-like consistency (this should take about five minutes).
- Take off the heat and stir minced parsley into your lentil spaghetti sauce recipe.
And that’s it! Your sauce is now ready. Feel free to serve this lentil pasta sauce on top of your favorite variety of pasta or mix it into a big bowl of spaghetti for maximum flavor!
Enjoy your delicious Red Lentil Spaghetti Sauce!
Substitutions and Variations
Now, let’s talk about substitutions and variations for this delightful red lentil spaghetti sauce recipe. One of the best things about cooking is being able to make adjustments based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry.
Firstly, you can swap out the red lentil pasta for regular spaghetti or any other type of gluten-free pasta. Keep in mind that cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta you use.
If you prefer a spicier pasta sauce, add some red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers. You could also use fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead of regular diced tomatoes to give it a smoky flavor.
For anyone who loves bell peppers, feel free to throw some diced bell peppers into the mix too. It will add a nice sweetness to the sauce and give it a bit more texture.
Additionally, if you want to incorporate more lentils into your diet, consider making a lentil bolognese sauce. Simply eliminate the tomato paste and tomato sauce and add more cooked green lentils into the spaghetti sauce recipe base.
This red lentil spaghetti sauce recipe is vegan-friendly, but if you’re not vegan, try adding ground beef or turkey to make it heartier.
No matter what substitutions or variations you choose to make, this red lentil spaghetti sauce recipe is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
Serving and Pairing
Friends, let me tell you, serving this lentil spaghetti sauce on your table will create a perfect union between all the flavors in your mouth. It goes well with lentil spaghetti for an entirely meatless meal that is full of nutrients and pack a punch of flavor. Did you know that red lentils taste like a mild version of green lentils? They are excellent substitutes for meaty spaghetti bolognese or pasta marinara dishes.
This gluten-free vegan lentil bolognese is the perfect example of how to enjoy pasta without missing flavorful meat. If you want a hearty and warm dish, try serving it with roasted peppers or even bell peppers to add some sweetness and crunch to the Red Lentil Pasta Sauce. The blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors mixes with your favorite vegetables in a delightful way to give you a delectable serving experience.
Do not let going gluten-free stop you from enjoying delicious pasta dishes. Swap the regular pasta for an exceptional option of lentil penne pasta cooked to al dente perfection, then mix it into the fantastic Red Lentil Spaghetti Sauce Recipe. The combination is incredibly satisfying, and the spicy pasta just adds a touch heat that will leave your taste buds thrilled.
This fiery dish will be perfect for those chilly nights when you crave an indulging meal that warms up your soul while keeping away the cold winter shivers. Go ahead, dive in, unleash your creativity, and pair this sauce with any creative ingredient combination that tickles your fancy – with lentils, garlic, onions or parsley – whatever takes your fancy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Darling, let’s talk about how to store and reheat that exquisite Red Lentil Spaghetti Sauce Recipe you made. Of course, this recipe is perfect for meal prep as it can be conveniently stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
After preparing, give your luscious lentil pasta sauce enough time to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. You can seal it properly in a ziplock bag or storage container and store in the refrigerator for up to five days. Now, if you’re making more than what you need, store the excess in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to three months.
Whenever you are ready to reheat your tomato red lentil pasta sauce, thaw in the fridge (for overnight) if coming from the freezer or simply transfer the refrigerated one to a pan over low-medium heat on a stove. I recommend adding two tablespoons of vegetable broth or water when reheating if you notice that the sauce has become thicker during storage.
If you have any additional leftover lentil spaghetti sauce, incorporate into other recipes such as bolognese or soups. This way, no amount of goodness goes to waste.
I’m telling you honey; this delicious vegan lentil spaghetti sauce recipe will keep your family satisfied anytime they call on it!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to make this red lentil spaghetti sauce recipe to perfection, then the following tips will come in handy.
First and foremost, I recommend that you stick to red lentil pasta when making this sauce recipe. Apart from being gluten-free, it also cooks faster than regular pasta, which is a bonus. You can also use green lentil pasta, but it has a different texture and taste.
When cooking the red lentil spaghetti, make sure not to overcook them. They cook much faster than regular pasta, and they can easily become mushy if you don’t time it right. Keep an eye on them while boiling and taste them regularly until they are cooked but still firm.
To add more flavor to the lentil spaghetti sauce, I suggest using fresh herbs like parsley and oregano. Dried herbs are good too, but fresh ones add a more intense flavor that makes all the difference in the final dish.
Another crucial tip is to sauté the garlic and onions before adding other ingredients like diced tomatoes or tomato paste. Sautéing allows flavors to develop and infuse into each other. Sauteing also removes the raw taste from the onions and garlic.
Lastly, let the sauce simmer for at least 20 minutes after adding all the ingredients to allow flavors to fully develop. The longer you simmer your sauce, the richer its flavor becomes.
By following these tips diligently, your red lentil spaghetti sauce will turn out perfect every time. Get creative with your substitutions and variations while keeping these tips in mind, and you will never get bored of this versatile vegan bolognese sauce that taste like a spicy pasta with lentils.
FAQ
As you get prepared to make this scrumptious red lentil spaghetti sauce recipe, you may have some questions about the ingredients, cooking methods or storing instructions. Thus, I have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) to help guide you in the preparation of this delightful and nutritious meal. Read on for some helpful tips and insights.
Is red lentil spaghetti any good?
Looking for a healthier alternative to regular pasta? Consider trying out lentil pasta! Not only is it delicious and versatile, but it offers a number of nutritional benefits. Packed with essentials such as folate, iron, phosphorus and potassium, lentils provide the perfect balance of vitamins and minerals for a well-rounded diet. Plus, lentil pasta is also an excellent source of fiber, which can help reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke.
Does red lentil pasta taste like pasta?
As a gluten-free individual, I’ve been experimenting with different substitutes for pasta and I must say red lentil pasta is my absolute favorite. Its flavor when cooked is remarkably similar to regular pasta and even those who can consume gluten love it!
What does red lentil spaghetti taste like?
Red lentil pasta has a distinct nutty essence that can enhance the taste of pasta salads. According to The Kitchn, it pairs exceptionally well with soft coconut curry and a vegetable-rich mushroom Bolognese.
Is red lentil pasta the same as red lentils?
The key ingredient in red lentil pasta is solely red lentils, which provides an excellent source of natural protein.
Bottom Line
:
In conclusion, this red lentil spaghetti sauce recipe is perfect for those in search of healthy and gluten-free pasta options that do not compromise on taste. This vegan bolognese recipe is also great for those who want to increase their plant-based protein intake. With a combination of diced tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, and the star ingredient, red lentils, you can enjoy a flavorful and nutritious spaghetti sauce that will leave you feeling satisfied.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experiment with different variations to make it your own. Whether served over regular or lentil pasta, with herbs like parsley or oregano, or paired with roasted bell peppers or other veggies, the possibilities are endless.
Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and try out new ideas. With this red lentil spaghetti sauce as a base, you can create endless delicious pasta dishes for any occasion.
So go ahead, take a chance and whip up a batch of this delicious lentil spaghetti sauce today!
Red Lentil Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 cup red lentil, sorted and rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth, hot
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried red chili
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the onions and cook about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook an additional minute.
- Stir in the lentils and broth and cook over medium low until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, oregano and red chili. Stir until heated through.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle the parsley over all.
- Delicious over pasta or polenta.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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