High Protein Spicy Tomato Sauce

Elevate your meals with this High Protein Spicy Tomato Sauce, a bold and satisfying twist on a classic favorite. This hearty, plant-based sauce is packed with flavor from richly spiced smoked paprika, cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes, while protein-rich lentils add a nourishing, meaty texture. Simmered with fragrant garlic, onion, and wholesome crushed tomatoes, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Serve this versatile sauce over pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a deliciously spicy, protein-packed meal, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a burst of freshness. It's the ultimate comfort food that’s as nutritious as it is flavorful! Perfect for those seeking high-protein vegan recipes or a simple way to spice up their sauce game.

Nutriscore Rating: 86/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes (canned, no salt added)
• 1.5 cups Cooked lentils (brown or green)
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 cup Vegetable broth
• 1.5 teaspoons Crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh basil, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the crushed tomatoes, cooked lentils, tomato paste, and vegetable broth to the pan. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Season with crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Step 7

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more red pepper flakes for extra heat, if desired.

Step 8

Serve hot over pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh basil if using.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1614.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1071.3

Total Fat 34.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1846.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 158.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 49.6g	0%
Total Sugars 50.1g
Protein 50.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 334.1mg	0%
Iron 20.3mg	0%
Potassium 4412.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 26.8%

Protein: 17.7%

Carbs: 55.5%