Friday, November 15, 2013

Pumpkin-lentil-tomato spaghetti sauce

This is a cheap, delicious recipe that makes enough for at least two family meals, and is substantial enough that one really doesn't miss the meat.

Ingredients:
1 cup brown lentils
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped fine
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can pureed pumpkin
1 can petite diced tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon thyme
pinch of red pepper flakes
salt and pepper

Brown lentils don't really need soaking, but if you want to do something in advance, pour some boiling water over them in a bowl and leave them for a few hours. Drain them and place them in a large pot with 4-5 cups of boiling water and a bay leaf, and simmer until tender, 15 minutes or so. If you haven't soaked them, simply rinse them and boil them a little longer, maybe 25-30 minutes.

While the lentils are cooking, heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring, for 10 minutes or so. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for a minute or so until fragrant. Add the pumpkin, tomatoes, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes, pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

When the lentils are cooked, drain them, removing the bay leaf. Add them to the sauce and season to taste.

Serve over whole wheat spaghetti or other pasta, with a sprinkling of grated parmesan or Asiago cheese on top if desired.

No comments:

Post a Comment