Lentils In Marinara Recipes

HEARTY SPAGHETTI WITH LENTILS & MARINARA

Steps:

• To cook the lentils, first pick through the lentils for debris (I once bit into a tiny rock) and then rinse them in a fine-mesh colander. In a small saucepan, combine the lentils, bay leaf, garlic, salt and broth.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Simmer until the lentils are cooked through and tender, which will take somewhere between 20 to 35 minutes, depending on the age and variety of the lentils. Drain the lentils, discard the bay leaf and garlic, and set the pot aside, uncovered.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to the package directions. Drain, then return the pasta to the pot and set it aside.
• Stir the marinara into the lentils and warm them together over medium heat. Divide pasta into bowls, top with warm marinara and lentils, and garnish with Parmesan and/or chopped fresh basil, if you'd like. Serve warm. Leftovers will keep well, covered and refrigerated, for up to 4 days.

LENTILS IN MARINARA

Steps:

• For the lentils: Place lentils, which should not be soaked, in a pot, add wine, bay leaves and 3 cups water. Bring to a simmer. Stir and watch the pot. Add more water, if necessary. Cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Don't overcook. Drain, remove bay leaves and set aside.
• For the marinara: Heat oil gently. Add garlic and jalapeño to infuse oil with their flavors. Do not burn the garlic! Add dried oregano, tomatoes and salt and pepper to taste. Mash tomatoes and simmer until most of liquid has been reduced, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Add fresh oregano, parsley and drained lentils; keep warm and serve.

ITALIAN HERB-LENTIL PATTIES WITH MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• Cook lentils according to package directions; drain and cool slightly., In a large bowl, combine eggs and seasonings; stir in cooked lentils and oatmeal. Shape into ten 3/4-in.-thick patties., In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Cook patties in batches 4-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and a thermometer reads 160°, adding additional oil as needed. Top with cheese; cook 1-2 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. If desired, serve with marinara sauce.

HEARTY RED LENTIL PASTA SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, green peppers, and carrots, and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring, for one more minute.
• Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, wine (if using), lentils, and honey. Stir to incorporate. Heat until the mixture comes to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer sauce for about 25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
• Stir in parsley. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve as desired.
• Keeps refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

HEARTY BEAN & LENTIL VEGAN BOLOGNESE

Steps:

• Set a large pot over medium heat. When hot, add the olive oil. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 5-6 minutes. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for one more minute.
• Squeeze the tomatoes to crush and add them to the pot along with the juices from the can. Add the water and honey and stir to combine. Add the lentils. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce heat to medium. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are almost cooked through, about 20 minutes.
• Stir in the beans and the sprig of basil and continue to cook until thick and rich, about 5-10 more minutes. Remove basil. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if desired.
• Serve over your favorite pasta (we're partial to whole wheat spaghetti with this sauce), spooned over spaghetti squash, or in a baked sweet potato.
• Sauce keeps refrigerated in an airtight container for 2-3 days. It also freezes very well.