Vegetarian Lentil Spaghetti Sauce
Dive into the hearty, wholesome comfort of this Vegetarian Lentil Spaghetti Sauce, a flavor-packed twist on classic marinara! Loaded with tender lentils, aromatic vegetables, and a rich blend of herbs and spices like smoked paprika and basil, this plant-based sauce is the perfect companion to your favorite pasta. Simmered to perfection with crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, it delivers a satisfying texture and deep umami flavor, rivaling any meat-based alternative. Ready in under an hour, this high-protein, fiber-rich recipe is both nourishing and family-friendly. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish and enjoy a wholesome, vegan-friendly dinner that’s as hearty as it is delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large Carrot, finely diced
- 1 large Celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 cup Dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 28 ounces Canned crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups Vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the lentils to the pan and stir to coat them in the vegetable mixture.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and tomato paste. Mix to combine.
Stir in the oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and sugar, if using.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the sauce thickens.
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Serve the lentil spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
187 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 5.9 g | 8% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.0 g | 5% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 792 mg | 34% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28.1 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.3 g | 26% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.7 g | ||
| Protein | 7.3 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 71 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 3.1 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 792 mg | 17% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
