Thoughtful Foods

Thoughtful Foods stock 2 varieties of lentils, plus a soup mix. Either of these could be used for the soup below.

Lentils don’t require soaking and avoid adding salt to the water when cooking as this prevents them softening. Although lentils can be stored for up to a year, over time they toughen.

 

This rich tomato sauce with lentils and fresh basil provides a great, healthy alternative to traditional meaty Spaghetti Bolognese. 

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 large onion
810 gm can tomatoes or fresh, skinned
125 grams red lentils (dry weight)
2 cups vegetable stock
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
Fresh basil leaves

Method

1. Peel and finely chop the onion.

2. Simmer the onion until just softened in a little water.

3. Add the tomatoes and break them up slightly.

4. Rinse the lentils, drain and add to the tomatoes.

5. Stir in the stock. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

6. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 30 minutes until the lentils are tender.

7. Remove from the heat, tear the basil leaves into small pieces and add to the soup.

8. Blend until smooth.

9. Return to the pan and heat through for a few minutes.

10. Serve garnished with basil leaves, with fresh bread.

Makes 4 1/2 cups.

Ingredients

810 gm can tomatoes
1 cup canned tomato puree
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 cup chopped olives
810 gm can red kidney beans, drained
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon veggie salt
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon basil
1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Method

1. Simmer all ingredients 20 minutes.

2. Cook and drain 2 cups eggless noodles.

3. Remove bay leaf from sauce and combine with noodles in a casserole dish.

4. Bake at 180°C for 20 minutes. Serves 6.

Ingredients

1 onion
1-2 cloves of garlic
1-2 tins of peeled tomatoes

Method

1. Sauté onions and garlic until onions are clear.

2. Add tomatoes and simmer until reduced to desired liquidity.

To make the sauce more interesting you can add almost everything (e.g. herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary; capsicum, chili, paprika, mushrooms). Most things should be added when you add the tomatoes. Mushrooms may be better to add shortly before serving.