Vegetarian Lentil Spaghetti Food

HEARTY SPAGHETTI WITH LENTILS & MARINARA

Steps:

• To cook the lentils, first pick through the lentils for debris (I once bit into a tiny rock) and then rinse them in a fine-mesh colander. In a small saucepan, combine the lentils, bay leaf, garlic, salt and broth.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Simmer until the lentils are cooked through and tender, which will take somewhere between 20 to 35 minutes, depending on the age and variety of the lentils. Drain the lentils, discard the bay leaf and garlic, and set the pot aside, uncovered.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to the package directions. Drain, then return the pasta to the pot and set it aside.
• Stir the marinara into the lentils and warm them together over medium heat. Divide pasta into bowls, top with warm marinara and lentils, and garnish with Parmesan and/or chopped fresh basil, if you'd like. Serve warm. Leftovers will keep well, covered and refrigerated, for up to 4 days.

LENTIL SPAGHETTI SAUCE

Steps:

• In a large saucepan cook onion and garlic in oil for about 5 minutes, or until tender.
• Add lentils and water (or broth).
• Cover and cook on low heat until lentils are tender (20-35 minutes).
• Add tomato paste, 3/4 cup water and seasonings.
• Cover and cook until lentils are soft and mushy (about 10-15 minutes).
• Serve over cooked spaghetti.
• If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.