Author Notes
As much as we love meat sauce for pasta, we often will do this meatless version - packed with protein and fiber, it's extremely inexpensive and carries a real punch. If you're not into a little spicy, omit the crushed red pepper in this one. We serve it over spaghetti with a side of spinach garlic bread (mom always told me to eat my spinach!). Blend it smooth and use it as a marinara sauce or add chicken or vegetable broth and make a great soup or gazpacho by adding some fresh veggies. —inpatskitchen
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Ingredients
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1/2 cup
coarsely chopped celery
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1/2 cup
coarsely chopped carrot
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1/2 cup
chopped green bell pepper
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1 cup
chopped onion
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4 to 5 cloves garlic
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3 tablespoons
olive oil
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1/2 teaspoon
crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 teaspoon
dried basil
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1 teaspoon
dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon
fennel seed
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1 cup
red lentils
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28 ounce can of good quality tomatoes, crushed
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1 teaspoon
salt
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1 teaspoon
black pepper
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3 to 4 cups water
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1/2 cup
chopped parsley
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5 or 6 leaves sliced fresh basil
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Cooked pasta
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Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling over each serving ( optional )
Directions
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Place the celery, carrot, onion, bell pepper and garlic in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until the mixture is pretty finely ground ( like a sofrito ).
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In a 4 to 5 quart pot heat the olive oil, add the processed mixture with the crushed red pepper, basil, oregano and fennel seed and saute for a few minutes until soft and fragrant.
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Add the tomatoes and lentils and stir.
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Add the salt and pepper and 3 cups of the water, bring up to the boil and then simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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If after the 30 minutes the sauce seems too thick, add another cup of water and continue to simmer another 10 to 15 minutes.
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If you like, blend the mixture a little with an immersion blender, just enough to thicken the sauce.
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Stir in the parsley and fresh basil just before serving over cooked pasta.
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NOTE: Blend until smooth for a smooth marinara sauce or add broth and veggies for an easy gazpacho or soup.
I think I get my love for food and cooking from my mom, who was an amazing cook. She would start baking and freezing a month before Christmas in order to host our huge open house on Christmas afternoon. I watched and I learned...to this day I try not to procrastinate when it comes to entertaining.
My cooking style is pretty much all over the place, although I'm definitely partial to Greek and Italian cuisine. Oh yes, throw a little Cajun in there too!
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