Rustic Lentil Tomato Sauce
This hearty and flavorful meatless spaghetti sauce is a delightful and nutritious option for a family meal. Rich in protein thanks to the lentils and bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh tomatoes and aromatic herbs, this sauce is perfect for serving over your choice of spaghetti noodles or roasted spaghetti squash. Inspired by the 'Heart Healthy Cookbook' from Edina, MN, this recipe combines healthy ingredients to create a satisfying dish that's both comforting and heart-friendly. Enjoy a taste of well-being in each serving!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onion
1/2 medium (chopped)
Garlic
1 clove (minced)
Safflower Oil
1 teaspoon
No-salt-added Tomato Sauce
15 ounces (canned)
Tomato
1 (chopped)
Dried Lentils
1/4 cup
Dried Oregano
1/4 teaspoon
Dried Basil
1/4 teaspoon
Dried Thyme
1/4 teaspoon
Salt
1/8 teaspoon (optional)
Tabasco Sauce or Hot Pepper Sauce
1 dash
Instructions
1
In a medium frying pan, heat the safflower oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
3
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
Add the no-salt-added tomato sauce, dried lentils, oregano, basil, thyme, optional salt, and Tabasco sauce (or hot pepper sauce) to the mixture.
5
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cover the pan. Allow it to cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the sauce has thickened.
6
Serve hot over prepared spaghetti noodles or spaghetti squash for a warm, nutritious meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Lentil Tomato Sauce?
It is a hearty, meatless spaghetti sauce rich in protein and flavor, inspired by the Heart Healthy Cookbook.
Is the sauce vegetarian?
Yes, it is a vegetarian and meatless sauce made with lentils and tomatoes.
How much safflower oil is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of safflower oil.
What kind of onions are used?
You should use 1/2 of a medium onion, chopped.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 1 clove of garlic, minced.
What type of tomato sauce should be used?
Use 15 ounces of canned, no-salt-added tomato sauce.
Does this recipe use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, it includes 1 chopped fresh tomato.
How many dried lentils are required?
You will need 1/4 cup of dried lentils.
What amount of dried oregano is in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How much dried basil is used?
The sauce contains 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil.
How much dried thyme is added?
The recipe specifies 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Is salt required?
No, 1/8 teaspoon of salt is listed as an optional ingredient.
Can I make this sauce spicy?
Yes, you can add 1 dash of Tabasco sauce or hot pepper sauce for extra flavor.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté the onion and garlic for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are translucent.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer for 45 minutes until the lentils are tender.
What should I serve this sauce over?
It can be served over spaghetti noodles or roasted spaghetti squash.
What is the source of this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the Heart Healthy Cookbook from Edina, MN.
Is this recipe heart-healthy?
Yes, it is designed to be heart-friendly and is labeled as heart healthy.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total in this recipe.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be chopped before cooking.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be minced.
What size frying pan is recommended?
A medium frying pan is recommended for heating the oil and sautéing.
Do I need to stir the sauce while it simmers?
Yes, you should stir the sauce occasionally while it simmers for 45 minutes.
How do I know when the sauce is ready?
The sauce is ready when the lentils are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Is this recipe considered meatless?
Yes, this is a meatless spaghetti sauce option.
What can I use instead of spaghetti noodles?
You can use roasted spaghetti squash as a nutritious alternative.
Is the tomato sauce canned?
Yes, the recipe specifies 15 ounces of canned tomato sauce.
Can I use hot pepper sauce?
Yes, the recipe suggests Tabasco sauce or any hot pepper sauce.
What type of oil is specified?
Safflower oil is the specified oil for this recipe.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe for healthy cooking.