Pasta with Lentil Marinara

This meal came into existence two years after the thought of pairing lentils with spaghetti sauce entered my mind.  I was talking to man at work, Tom, about my lunch that particular day.  On my plate was a portion of lentils.  In a rather offhanded manner as he walked away, he mentioned that lentils are good with pasta.

And that was that.

I’m not sure if he meant to imply that lentils pair well with a traditional red sauce pasta or not, but in any case, that is the recipe I began to develop in my head.  Unfortunately I never got around to it for 2 years.

I love this pasta because it feels heavy like a meat sauce but is completely vegetarian.  The lentils provide a fantastic earthy feel.  It is made from nonperishable pantry ingredients which makes it even better.

One Year Ago: Lemon Chiffon Pie with Whole Wheat Pastry Crust
Two Years Ago: Baked Gnocchi in a Veloute Sauce

Pasta with Lentil Marinara
1 cup lentils, rinsed and picked through
2 15oz cans diced tomatoes
1 15 oz can tomato sauce
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, diced
1 T dried oregano
1 t dried basil
2 t salt
1/2 cup red wine
15 oz water

8 oz pasta

In a large stock pot, saute diced onion with some cooking spray.  Add the minced garlic cloves about 5 minutes into the cooking process.  Cook 2 minutes.  Add all canned tomato products, spices, salt, water, and red wine to the pot.  Bring to a simmer.  Add the lentils and cook 30 minutes, until cooked through, adding some water if necessary.

Cook pasta as directed on packaging.  When noodles are al dente, toss with pasta sauce and serve.