Lentil Spaghetti In 20 Minutes

Related Easy Risotto With Caramelized Eschalots

Lentil Spaghetti

This spaghetti sauce of lentil and veggies takes no time at all. This makes about 4 serves

• spaghetti
• 2 tbs good quality cooking oil
  
• 5 cloves of garlic, chopped roughly
• 2 stalks celery chopped finely
• 1 large carrot, diced into about 1/4 inch cubes
• 1 can of lentils, drained
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 2 heaped tbs tomato puree
• salt, pepper
• parmesan cheese for grating over
• 1/4 cup mint leaves chopped roughly
• 1 fresh lemon

To put this recipe together:

Cook the spaghetti. Don't cook more than the number of serves required as left over spaghetti really is quite unappetizing.

In a roomy sauce pot, heat the oil. When hot, quickly fry the garlic, then toss in the diced celery and carrot.  Cook till a little softened. It takes only minutes.

Add in seasoning, tomato puree, the entire contents of the can of tomatoes and lastly the drained lentils.

Bring to the boil then allow to simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

Serve with freshly shaved Parmesan cheese, a sprinkling of chopped mint and a squeeze of lemon.

Enjoy!

Tips from Easy Recipes

• A dash of balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar also adds nicely to the flavors
  
  
• If the sauce looks like it needs a little liquid, add some red wine, to add depth and richness 
  
  
• Always cook spaghetti in lots of rapidly boiling water and in a large stock pot. Don't ever use the absorption method for cooking pasta nor spaghetti. We want the water to be free flowing through the straws of spaghetti and so that the pasta cooks evenly
  
  
• Lentils add body to vegetarian dishes. It's a good idea to have a stock in your pantry so you don't run out
  
  
• Rinse the stalks of mint then remove the leaves from the stalks. Discard the stalks. Chop mint roughly or tear them into a bowl to be sprinkled over the meal just before serving.
  
  
• Use a strong tasting hard cheese like Parmesan or Reggiano Cheese for this spaghetti. We use a good julienne vegetable peeler to shave the cheese directly over the pasta at the table.
  
  
• This being a rich tasting hero dish goes well with a simple fresh crunchy green salad. It's best not to over do flavors for the side dishes so as not to compete with the hero mains.