Best 9 Hearty Red Lentil Pasta Sauce Recipes

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Immerse yourself in a culinary journey with our thoughtfully curated selection of hearty red lentil pasta sauce recipes. These tantalizing recipes transform humble lentils into a rich and flavorful sauce, offering a delightful symphony of textures and flavors to elevate your pasta dishes. Whether you prefer a classic tomato-based sauce, a creamy coconut curry sauce, or a spicy harissa sauce, our collection has something to satisfy every palate. Get ready to embark on a taste adventure as we unveil the secrets of creating the perfect hearty red lentil pasta sauce, turning your meals into unforgettable culinary experiences.

Let's cook with our recipes!

HEARTY RED LENTIL PASTA SAUCE



Hearty Red Lentil Pasta Sauce image

With a hefty dose of protein in every single serving, this hearty, flavorful sauce makes just about anything a meal. Perfect for making ahead and freezing, too!

Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion (diced)
1 green bell pepper (seeded and diced)
2 medium carrots (peeled and diced (about 1 cup))
6 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 28-ounce can whole fire-roasted tomatoes (plain whole tomatoes will work fine too)
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1/2 cup red wine (optional)
1 cup red lentils
1 tablespoon honey (or sub vegan-friendly granulated sugar if vegan)
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley

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



Hearty Bean & Lentil Vegan Bolognese image

Tomatoes and garlic simmered together with lentils and beans for a thick, hearty, and protein-rich take on bolognese.

Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion (diced)
6 medium cloves garlic (minced)
2 teaspoons kosher salt + more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper + more to taste
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 28-ounce cans whole San Marzano tomatoes
1 1/2 cups water
1 tablespoon vegan-friendly granulated sugar
1 cup French green lentils (rinsed)
1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 15-ounce can small red beans or red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Large sprig of fresh basil

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.

SICILIAN LENTIL PASTA SAUCE



Sicilian Lentil Pasta Sauce image

This is a very nice, thick sauce. It has a meat taste, without the meat. Nice and hearty, great with a crusty bread on a cold, Fall day.

Provided by Jill

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Vegetarian

Time 1h40m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 cups fresh sliced mushrooms
1 small zucchini, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry lentils
3 cups water
2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 ½ teaspoons white sugar
½ cup water

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, mushrooms, zucchini, and garlic. Cook and stir until tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Add lentils and 3 cups water to vegetables. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 45 to 60 minutes.
  • Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. If necessary, add more water to keep the sauce from sticking. Be careful not to dilute; the sauce should be quite thick.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 145 calories, Carbohydrate 25.5 g, Fat 1.8 g, Fiber 9.7 g, Protein 8.9 g, SaturatedFat 0.3 g, Sodium 466.1 mg, Sugar 7.5 g

HEARTY LENTIL SPAGHETTI



Hearty Lentil Spaghetti image

"You won't miss any meat in this spaghetti sauce," writes Marie Bender of Henderson, Nevada. Packed full of lentils and Italian flavors, this sauce is thick, hearty and zesty.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h25m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

3/4 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 cups dried lentils, rinsed
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian diced tomatoes
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan coated with cooking spray, saute onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the lentils, broth, pepper and cayenne. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until lentils are tender. , Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, basil and oregano. Return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 40-45 minutes., Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain. Serve with lentil sauce. Sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 362 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 764mg sodium, Carbohydrate 65g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 14g fiber), Protein 19g protein.

SPICY RED PASTA WITH LENTILS



Spicy Red Pasta with Lentils image

Simple, 30-minute spicy red pasta sauce with red lentils for added protein and fiber. Serve over gluten-free pasta for a delicious and hearty plant-based meal!

Provided by Minimalist Baker

Categories     Entree

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/2 cup dry red lentils ((rinsed in cool water for 1 minute))
2 cups water
1 pinch sea salt
1 Tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced ((3 cloves yield ~1 1/2 Tbsp))
1/4 cup carrots ((very finely diced))
1/4 cup diced tomatoes ((optional))
1 15-ounce can tomato sauce*
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 pinch sea salt ((plus more to taste))
1/2 tsp red chili flakes ((divided))
1 Tbsp dried or fresh oregano
1 Tbsp dried or fresh basil
1-2 Tbsp sweetener of choice ((such as organic cane sugar or coconut sugar))
1 Tbsp vegan parmesan cheese
8 ounces gluten-free pasta

Steps:

  • Add lentils and water to a small saucepan and bring to a low boil over medium heat, then reduce heat slightly to achieve a mild simmer (not boil).
  • Cook lentils to preferred doneness - 15 minutes for a slight bite, 20-22 minutes for more tender lentils. For this dish, I prefer 'al dente' so they don't become mushy.
  • When lentils are finished cooking, drain off any excess cooking liquid, season with a pinch of salt, and set aside.
  • While lentils are cooking, heat a large, rimmed metal or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add olive oil, garlic, carrots and tomato (optional). Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • To prevent splattering, remove skillet from heat and add tomato sauce, tomato paste, pinch sea salt, chili flake, oregano, basil, sweetener, and vegan parmesan cheese (optional), and stir to combine.
  • Place back over heat and bring to a low simmer over medium-low heat. Once simmering, reduce heat to low and continue cooking for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • If serving with pasta, cook according to package instructions at this time. Then drain and set aside.
  • Sample pasta sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more sweetener to balance and enhance the flavors: chili flake for heat, salt for saltiness, or more herbs for depth of flavor. If too thick, thin with a little water.
  • Add the cooked, drained lentils to the sauce and stir to combine. To serve, either spoon sauce over noodles, or add pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
  • Serve with any additional toppings, such as red pepper flakes, vegan parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.
  • Best when fresh. Store leftovers separately in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat sauce in the microwave or saucepan. Add a little water to thin if too thick. I've found gluten free pasta doesn't keep well, so cook fresh for each batch.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 serving, Calories 778 kcal, Carbohydrate 138.6 g, Protein 33.3 g, Fat 11.3 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 1100 mg, Fiber 30.9 g, Sugar 20.8 g

HEARTY RED LENTIL BOLOGNESE SAUCE & PASTA



Hearty Red Lentil Bolognese Sauce & Pasta image

This Hearty, 100% Plant-Based, Gluten-Free Red Lentil Bolognese Sauce & Pasta Recipe uses The HeirBloom Recipe Pyramid from step to step and ingredient to ingredient to create a tasty, filling, and savory Recipe that you can call your own.

Provided by HeirBloom Plant Foods

Categories     Main Course

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 25

Pasta of Choice (Gluten-Free or Squash (Zucchini, Yellow) Noodles are highly suggested)
1 cup Wild Rice (Substitutes: Cauliflower Rice, Quinoa)
1 cup Red Lentils (Substitutes: Brown, Green, or Black Lentils)
1/8 - 1/4 cup Oil of Choice to Sauté Fruits & Veggies for Red Sauce (Suggested: Grapeseed, Avocado (oils that have a high smoke point and AREN'T over-processed OR use WATER if Oil-Free))
1 handful Herb of Choice (Add as much as you'd like) (Suggested: FRESH Cilantro, Parsley, Basil)
1-3 tbsp Garlic (Minced)
1 medium Onion (Red/Purple is suggested, but sweet (yellow) onion works well, which is what we used in this version)
1-2 medium Carrot (Shredded or Small Diced (Your Preference))
1-2 head(s) Broccoli (Cauliflower works also) (Cut into Florets)
1 medium Bell Pepper (Red, Orange, Yellow are suggested | Can use Green if you'd like)
4-5 medium Portobello Mushrooms (Chopped to Your Liking)
2 cups Leafy Green (Suggested: Spinach, Kale, Collard Green)
1 medium Lime (Lemon works also) (Juiced)
1 24-28 oz Jar Your Favorite Tomato Sauce ((Make sure to AVOID additives & chemicals that are pictured above))
1-2 tbsp Tomato Paste (optional)
1/2 cup Water (Added to cook lentils thoroughly)
Choose Your Preferred Seasonings from HeirBloom's Italian-Inspired Seasonings Blend ((List of Seasonings Included in the Instruction Section))
Romaine Lettuce (Chopped to Your Liking)
Tomatoes (Grape)
Cucumbers (Seeded)
Olives (Kalamata)
Carrots (shredded)
Avocado (Cut to Your Liking)
Alfalfa Sprouts (optional)
Black Sesame Seeds (Roasted)

Steps:

  • Make in separate pot according to the package directions
  • Rice Cauliflower. Store-bought- Buy the Cauliflower Rice that is made fresh by the store. Avoid pre-packaged or frozen due to the unnecessary additives/chemicals to preserve the rice.Homemade- Food Processor (Pulse to keep the rice from being over-processed)- Grater (Use a hand or box grater to rice)- Knife (Use a knife to cut into rice-sized pieces)
  • Add into Sauce/Dressing when Sautéing Fruits & Vegetables - Put in when sautéing Most Dense Fruits & Veggies
  • Heat a separate deep pot or skillet over medium heat and add oil of choice into pot.
  • Select Fruits and Vegetables that you like
  • Cut Fruits & Vegetables to the Desired Size/Method that you like
  • Add Fruits & Vegetables to the PotSuggested Order- Garlic- Fresh Herb of Choice- Onion (Red, Yellow)Most Dense Fruits & Veggies:- Broccoli, Cauliflower (if didn't "rice"), CarrotMedium Dense Fruits & Veggies:- Zucchini/Yellow Squash, Bell Pepper, MushroomsLeast Dense Fruits & Veggies:- Spinach, Kale, Tomatoes, Green Onion (Scallions)
  • Sauté Fruits & Veggies for 5-7 minutesMake sure to mix well, so that veggies are able to be evenly cooked through
  • IMPORTANT: You want to soak your Lentils for as long as possible to breakdown the phytic acid on the outer shell.- Minimum time: 2 hours, but best amount would be overnight (8 hours)
  • Rinse Soaked Lentils and drain well.
  • Add Rinsed Lentils to Fruits & Veggies | Sauce/Dressing Mixture
  • Add 1/2 cup water and stir Mixture to incorporate the lentils evenly throughout.
  • Pour in Jarred Tomato Sauce of ChoiceRemember to keep ingredients as clean as possible and AVOID additives & preservatives
  • Add in Tomato Paste optional
  • Season the Sauce with Your Choice of HeirBloom's Italian-Inspired Seasonings (and other seasonings that you want to include)Suggested Seasonings (with the herbs, can use Fresh instead if you'd like to):- Dried Basil- Dried Oregano- Dried Rosemary- Sea Salt- Coriander- Dried Parsley- Dried Thyme- Dried Sage- Black Pepper- Garlic Powder- Onion Powder- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • Taste the Sauce and add more of any of the above seasonings to balance out the flavor that you want to achieve.- Remember to start with a little of each. - You can always ADD more of a seasoning, but if you add TOO MUCH it's more difficult to fix.
  • - Soaked Lentils: Simmer for 10-15 min or until lentils are at your desired tenderness.- Dry Lentils: Simmer for 15-20 min or until lentils are at your desired tenderness.
  • Check on your sauce and stir frequently throughout the above timeframes- Add a little more water if mixture gets too thick.
  • While your lentils are simmering in your sauce, prepare the pasta that you want to eat with your Bolognese Sauce.
  • We used Brown Rice/Quinoa Pasta in Our Version. Other Suggestions- Gluten-Free Noodles: Chickpea pasta, Lentil pasta, etc.- Squash Noodles: Yellow (Summer) Squash, Zucchini Squash, Butternut Squash, Spaghetti Squash- We don't suggest the regular wheat pasta, but if that's all you have make the best decision that you can.
  • Pour Base 2 (Wild Rice or Quinoa) into the Fruits & Veggies | Sauce/Dressing Mixture
  • Stir Your Bolognese Sauce so that everything is incorporated well.
  • Pair with side dish(es) of your choice.HeirBloom's Suggestions:Salad including toppings of your choiceHomemade Breadsticks using Spelt Flour or Gluten-Free Flour (Recipe coming soon)It's your meal, you decide.
  • Save the rest for another meal or meals.- If you meal prep and made this for individual meals throughout the week, portion into your containers.
  • How you store the Leftovers- Refrigerator: Keeps in fridge for 3-5 Days. - Freezer: You can also freeze for 30 days.

HEARTY RED LENTIL STEW



Hearty Red Lentil Stew image

This hearty red lentil stew is the first recipe I made with my new healthy diet. It was a hit! This is gluten free, and if you remove the white potatoes it can also be nightshade free.

Provided by Cassie

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes     Vegetarian     Soups and Stews     Stew

Time 1h10m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 cups water, or to taste
2 medium onions, peeled and finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, crushed
2 cubes vegetable bouillon, or more to taste
½ pound red lentils, rinsed and drained
½ medium butternut squash - peeled, seeded, and chopped
4 medium carrots, chopped
4 small white potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
¼ pound watercress
¾ cup frozen peas, thawed
¼ cup chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon gluten-free soy sauce (tamari)

Steps:

  • Bring 3 cups water, onions, garlic, and 2 bouillon cubes to a boil in a large pot. Add lentils, squash, carrots, white potatoes, and sweet potatoes. If the majority of food is not covered in water, add more water and the corresponding amount of bouillon. Bring to a boil.
  • Lower heat and simmer until potatoes are soft, about 20 minutes. Add celery and simmer for 5 minutes. Add watercress, peas, dill, and soy sauce. Mash some of the potatoes and cook until heated through, 3 to 5 minutes

Nutrition Facts : Calories 359 calories, Carbohydrate 73.6 g, Fat 1.3 g, Fiber 14.3 g, Protein 17.2 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 280.4 mg, Sugar 10.6 g

RED LENTIL SPAGHETTI SAUCE



Red Lentil Spaghetti Sauce image

I got this from a book called Quick Fix Vegetarian. The recipes are all wonderful and fast to make. I felt a little funny about lentils in my spaghetti sauce but I need not have worried. This sauce is delicious and rich. Not only is it good the day you make it, but it is even better the next day after the flavors get a chance to gel.

Provided by Ex-Pat Mama

Categories     Vegan

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup onion, chopped
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
1 cup red lentil, sorted and rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth, hot
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried red chili
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the onions and cook about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook an additional minute.
  • Stir in the lentils and broth and cook over medium low until tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Add the tomatoes, oregano and red chili. Stir until heated through.
  • Remove from heat and sprinkle the parsley over all.
  • Delicious over pasta or polenta.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 279.9, Fat 8.2, SaturatedFat 1.2, Sodium 16.3, Carbohydrate 40.5, Fiber 8.3, Sugar 7, Protein 14.3

RED LENTIL PASTA WITH CREAMY TOMATO & PEPPER SAUCE



Red lentil pasta with creamy tomato & pepper sauce image

Add to your five-a-day with this red lentil pasta. Gluten and dairy free, the sauce is made with peppers and cashews, which add protein and give it a creamy texture

Provided by Sara Buenfeld

Categories     Dinner

Time 18m

Number Of Ingredients 7

150g red lentil fusilli
2 handfuls of rocket
60g unsalted, unroasted cashews
1 large garlic clove, roughly chopped
1 large roasted red pepper (in red wine vinegar) from a jar, drained, any seeds removed
4 sundried tomatoes
8 large basil, roughly chopped

Steps:

  • First, make the sauce. Put the cashews and garlic in a bowl, then pour over 125ml boiling water and set aside for 5 mins. Meanwhile, put a large pan of water over a high heat. When the water is boiling rapidly, tip in the pasta and a little salt, stir once, then continue to boil for 8 mins, or following pack instructions, until the pasta is softened but still retains some bite.
  • Meanwhile, add the roasted pepper and sun-dried tomatoes to the bowl with the cashews, garlic and water, then whizz with a hand blender or in a food processor to make a smooth, creamy sauce. Stir through the basil and season with black pepper.
  • Drain the pasta, mix with the sauce in a large bowl, then divide between two bowls and add a handful of rocket to each.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 538 calories, Fat 16 grams fat, SaturatedFat 3 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 64 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 4 grams sugar, Fiber 8 grams fiber, Protein 30 grams protein, Sodium 0.1 milligram of sodium

Tips:

  • Use dried red lentils: Dried red lentils are more flavorful and hold their shape better than canned lentils.
  • Soak the lentils: Soaking the lentils for 30 minutes before cooking helps to remove some of the starch and makes them more digestible.
  • Use a variety of vegetables: This recipe calls for carrots, celery, and onions, but you can use any vegetables you like. Some other good options include zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
  • Don't overcook the lentils: Lentils are done cooking when they are tender but still hold their shape. Overcooked lentils will become mushy.
  • Season the sauce to taste: This recipe calls for a simple combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, but you can add other seasonings to taste. Some good options include cumin, coriander, and chili powder.

Conclusion:

This hearty red lentil pasta sauce is a delicious and healthy way to get your daily dose of vegetables. It's also a great way to use up leftover lentils. The sauce is easy to make and can be served over pasta, rice, or quinoa. It's also a great addition to soups and stews.

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