Lentil-Tomato Sauce

If you want to freeze this sauce, don't add the yogurt; to serve, reheat gently and stir in the yogurt just before tossing the sauce with the pasta. Per serving: 518 calories; 24 g protein; 5 g fat; 94 g carb; 13 g fiber. Read more about the health benefits of lentils.

Source
Body+Soul, September 2006
Lentil-Tomato Sauce
  • prep 30 mins
  • total time 1 hour 20 mins
  • servings 8

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped

  • 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots

  • 6 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 1/2 cups lentils, rinsed

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 can (28 ounces) whole tomatoes in puree

  • Coarse salt and ground pepper

  • 2/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt

  • 1 1/2 pounds spaghetti or linguine

  • Grated Parmesan cheese, (optional)

Directions

  1. Step 1

    In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add lentils and thyme; cook, stirring, until lentils are coated, about 2 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    Break up tomatoes using your hands or a spoon and then add along with puree. Add 4 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover tightly, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and starting to break down, about 45 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Remove from heat. If eating right away, stir in yogurt.

  3. Step 3

    Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions; drain. Toss with sauce and top with grated Parmesan if desired.

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Reviews (3)

  • ChristineIvy
    21 Aug, 2011

    This was amazing! I used red lentils, a red onion and substituted red pepper for the carrot. Delicious! Because the pepper had more water, the sauteeing at the beginning with the onion was quite watery, and I only added a cup of water later. I didn't have yogurt but it was still delicious.
  • advelazquez
    9 Jan, 2010

    This is such a delicious recipe!! I used to make it frequently when I was a vegetarian, and now that I'm eating more healthfully, it's exactly what I was looking for. I love it! I use fired roasted canned tomatoes when I can, as well as a little crushed red peppers for a little kick. Yum!
  • AmandaMaeH
    12 Nov, 2008

    This was SO great! ... I didn't have dry lentils on hand so I used a packaged of precooked lentils from Trader Joe's ... I just threw them in the sauce for 10 minutes or so. This is a great comfort food.... even good without the noodles.
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Lentil-Tomato Sauce
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