Lentil Spaghetti Sauce

Transform your pasta night with this hearty and flavorful Lentil Spaghetti Sauce, a satisfying plant-based twist on traditional marinara. Packed with protein-rich lentils, aromatic vegetables, and a medley of Italian herbs, this vegan spaghetti sauce is as wholesome as it is delicious. The base of sautéed onion, garlic, carrot, and celery creates a robust flavor foundation, complemented by simmered crushed tomatoes and a touch of tomato paste for richness. With just the right hint of spice from red pepper flakes and the earthiness of bay leaf, this sauce is slow-cooked to perfection in under an hour. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a comforting, nutrient-dense dinner that’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a vibrant finishing touch!

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 medium celery stalk, finely diced
• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a large saucepan or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 3

Add the rinsed lentils and stir to coat them with the vegetable mixture.

Step 4

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the lentils simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Once the lentils have softened, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Stir well, cover, and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or spices as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 8

Serve the lentil spaghetti sauce over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2145.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1071.3

Total Fat 37.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4332.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 154.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 43.7g	0%
Total Sugars 52.0g
Protein 43.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 456.7mg	0%
Iron 18.2mg	0%
Potassium 4956.8mg	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: 30.1%

Protein: 15.3%

Carbs: 54.7%