Sicilian Lentil Pasta Sauce
Cook Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Description:
Savor the rich flavors of Sicilian cuisine with this hearty lentil pasta sauce that’s not only vegetarian but also remarkably meaty in taste. Infused with aromatic garlic, earthy mushrooms, and wholesome zucchini, this sauce boasts a delightful chunky texture that’s perfect for coating your favorite pasta. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra veggies for added nutrition. While the sugar lends a subtle sweetness, feel free to omit it if desired, and adjust the water content according to your preferred consistency. This recipe has been a hit even with the little ones, as its robust flavors are irresistible to tiny taste buds!
Recipe Category: Sauces
Keywords: Lentil, Beans, European, Vegan, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Kid Friendly, Free Of…, Weeknight, < 4 Hours, Inexpensive
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry lentils (orange lentils work well)
- 3 cups water
- 16 ounces tomato sauce
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup water (plus more if needed)
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories: 146.7
- Fat Content: 1.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.3g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 477.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 25.9g
- Fiber Content: 9.8g
- Sugar Content: 8.1g
- Protein Content: 9g
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, sliced mushrooms, diced zucchini, and minced garlic to the pot.
- Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until they start to soften.
- Add dry lentils and 3 cups of water to the pot with the vegetables.
- Turn up the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, and 1/2 cup of water.
- Bring the sauce back to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for an additional 20 minutes.
- If the sauce becomes too thick or starts to stick to the bottom of the pot, add more water as needed, but be careful not to over-dilute it; the sauce should remain thick and rich in flavor.
- Once done, serve this delicious Sicilian lentil pasta sauce over your favorite cooked pasta, garnished with fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired.
Review Summary:
With an aggregated rating of 4.5 stars from 14 reviews, this Sicilian lentil pasta sauce has been a crowd-pleaser among both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Its hearty texture and robust flavor make it a comforting and satisfying option for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Plus, its versatility allows for easy customization with additional vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious vegan meal or simply craving a comforting bowl of pasta, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Try it out and see why it’s become a favorite among families everywhere!
