Veggie-Powered Pasta Sauce with Lentils: a Delicious Meatless Meal
This veggie-powered pasta sauce with lentils is a healthy and easy recipe that is full of plant protein & fiber
Spaghetti and meat sauce has been a favorite in my house since my girls were old enough to eat solid food. Over the years, we’ve all embraced more plant-centric meals. This creation of pasta sauce with lentils brings favorite flavors together for a delicious spaghetti dinner without the meat. It’s loaded with health-boosting veggies and, of course, lentils. Though it’s a bit more labor intensive to cut the vegetables and cook the lentils, the result is worth it – for the taste, your health and the health of our planet. Feel free to make this recipe your own by swapping any of the vegetables or simply adding another favorite.
Lentils and veggies and pasta, oh my! Delicious plant-based comfort food.Click To TweetVeggie-Powered Pasta Sauce with Lentils
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup green lentils
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 8 ounces baby bella (or favorite) mushroom, sliced thickly
- 1 large zucchini, sliced into quarters lengthwise and then chopped
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can no salt added petite diced tomatoes
- 4 fluid ounces dry red wine
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 (6-ounce) bag baby spinach
- Parmesan cheese, grated, optional (I use about 1 tablespoon per serving)
- Fresh herbs or cherry tomatoes for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the lentils in water, according to package directions. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and zucchini and cook another 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste, Italian seasonings, black pepper and garlic. Mix well.
- Add the tomato sauce, tomatoes, red wine and balsamic vinegar. Stir. Increase the heat to bring the contents of the pan to a boil. Add the reserved lentils and spinach. Mix well.
- Reduce the heat to simmer. Cover and simmer 20 to 30 minutes.
- Serve over whole wheat spaghetti or spiralized zucchini. Garnish with Parmesan cheese, fresh tomatoes and/or fresh herbs.
Nutrition
Please share your favorite healthful take on traditional spaghetti and meat sauce.
Filed Under: Beans and Pulses Entrees, Entree, Heart Health, Recipe
Tagged: diabetes, prediabetes, Resistant starch
Jill Weisenberger
I'm Jill, and I believe simple changes in your mindset and health habits can bring life-changing rewards. And I don't believe in willpower. It's waaaay overrated. As a food-loving registered dietitian nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist and certified health and wellness coach, I've helped thousands of people solve their food and nutrition problems. If you're looking for a better way to master this whole healthy eating/healthy living thing or if you're trying to prevent or manage diabetes or heart problems, you'll find plenty of resources right here.
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Welcome to my Blog
Hi there! I'm Jill, a nutrition & diabetes expert and the author of 4 books.
I believe simple changes in health habits can bring you life-changing rewards.
And I believe willpower is way overrated.
Right here is where you can discover the mindset and habits to stick with healthy lifestyle choices most of the time - and drop the guilt when you don't.
Love your info to the point and easy to understand Thank You
Thank you for saying so. Hope you enjoy this recipe and others too.