Description
An easy, spicy (yet slightly sweet) red pasta sauce loaded with veggies and with red lentils for added protein and fiber. Serve this flavorful sauce over gluten free pasta for a healthy, fast and satisfying plant-based meal!
Ingredients
For the red lentil veggie sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 large cloves fresh garlic, peeled and minced (or pressed through a garlic press)
- 1 cup baby carrots, finely diced (1 1/4 cup when finely diced)
- 1 large red bell pepper, stem and seeds removed, finely diced (1 cup when finely diced)
- 1 large zucchini, ends removed, finely diced (1 3/4 cups when finely diced)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
- optional: 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for added spicy flavor)
- 28 ounces marinara sauce (I love Rao's)
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1/2 cup red lentils
- Garnish: 1/4 cup fresh basil, diced (or sub parsley)
For the pasta
- 16 ounces gluten-free pasta (short-cut) [or sub zucchini noodles]
Instructions
For the red lentil veggie sauce:
- Heat a 5.5 quart dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add olive oil, red onion, salt and pepper and saute for 8 minutes until onions are soft and translucent. Add the garlic and stir frequently for another 2 minutes. Add carrots, red bell pepper and zucchini and saute for 5 minutes stirring frequently.
- Add the tomato paste, maple syrup, crushed red pepper flakes and stir well to fully coat the veggies.
- Add marinara sauce, water and red lentils. Stir well and bring to a boil. Then turn the burner to a low simmer. Cook uncovered for 30 minutes stirring occasionally until veggies are fork tender and lentils are cooked through. While you are waiting start the pasta (see below).
For the pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. For best results salt your pasta water with 1/2 tablespoon salt. When pasta is finished cooking, drain and set aside for serving.
Assemble
- Once the red lentils and veggies are fully cooked, stir the fresh basil into the red lentil veggie sauce and taste. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- To serve, spoon the red lentil veggie sauce over the cooked pasta. Serve with any additional toppings, such as red pepper flakes, vegan Parmesan cheese, and/or fresh basil. Enjoy immediately while hot. Store leftovers once fully cooled in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Notes
Gluten-free pasta is best when fresh but the sauce can be made ahead of time if desired and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to five days. Reheat sauce in the microwave or saucepan. Add a little marinara pasta sauce to thin if too thick or dry.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Entree
- Cuisine: Italian