Sauce for Lentil Pasta Recipe
Sauce for Lentil Pasta Recipe: A delightful blend of flavors, this sauce is the perfect companion for lentil pasta. Made with aromatic herbs, garlic, and ripe tomatoes, it adds a burst of freshness to the dish. Its rich texture and savory taste create a satisfying and wholesome meal, packed with plant-based protein and nutrients.
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Can opener
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Strainer or colander
- Blender or immersion blender (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes or 1 ½ cups of tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups of vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- You must rinse the lentils in cold water and remove any debris. Once you have done this, add the lentils and enough water to a saucepan and cover them.Boil the lentils for a few minutes, then reduce the heat and simmer for the recommended time according to the lentil type. You must ensure the lentils are well cooked as they determine the sauce’s taste and texture. Once it has finished cooking, drain the excess liquid using a strainer or colander.
- Sautéing the onion and garlic is the next thing you must do once you cook the lentils. Heat olive oil in the same saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil has heated up, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and lightly golden. Do not forget to stir while the onion salutes. You can do this for one minute. Once the onion is done, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. You must do this over medium heat to prevent the onion and garlic from burning.
- Simmer the sauce once the onion and garlic have been sauteed. Add the cooked lentils, diced tomatoes or tomato sauce, and vegetable broth to the saucepan. Stir the ingredients as you add them.Add the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Ensure you stir the ingredients in the saucepan properly to ensure they blend and combine well. Allow the sauce to simmer over medium-low heat. Once you have added the necessary ingredients, cover the saucepan with a lid and leave a small gap for steam to escape. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes. This should allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce slightly thickens.
- While the sauce simmers over medium heat, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to suit your taste or preference. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if you need to. If you prefer a smoother texture, use a blender or immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth.Once set, serve the lentil pasta sauce over your choice of cooked pasta. Do not forget to garnish with fresh parsley or basil.