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This is a hearty, satisfying vegetarian meal... lighten it up a bit with a nice, big, green salad on the side. It's nicest with fresh herbs and vine ripened tomatoes, and I like to add semi-dried tomatoes and tomato paste to make it richer.
1. Chop in Thermomix bowl for 5 seconds on speed 6:
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 carrot, quartered
- 1 celery stalk, quartered
2. Add oil and cook for 3 minutes, 100 degrees, speed 1:
- 30g extra virgin olive oil
3. Add tomatoes and chop for 5 seconds, speed 5:
- 400g fresh tomatoes, quartered (or can use tinned - if already crushed, don't chop again)
4. Add remaining ingredients and cook for 15 mins, 100 degrees, reverse speed 1:
- 250g red lentils
- 100g semi-dried tomato strips (opt.)
- 550g water
- 2 Tbspns vege stock concentrate
- 2 Tbspns tomato paste (opt.)
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Rapadura
- 1/2 to 1 tsp dried oregano, or fresh to taste
- 1/2 to 1 tsp dried basil, or fresh to taste
- herb or sea salt
- freshly ground pepper
5. Serve over wholegrain spaghetti, or brown rice, with a green salad.
Chelsea: We love this one. I think the sundried tomato strips are a must. Yummo!
CC: I made this for supper the evening and I have to say it's one of the best vegetarian meals I have ever made.I served it over pasta.A big thank you Jo for a really wonderful recipe.
Millipede: I've made this a couple of times now and its fabulous. It has a really hearty flavour, reminiscent of a beef bolognaise but without the heaviness. Not that I dont love the EDC ragu recipe But DH is veggo and its a hassle to cook up two seperate bolognaise recipes for dinner. The kids gobble this lentil one down no worries so I have ditched the beefone all together.
Merlin: Have to confess that for my twins ( one of whom is low iron deficient) I did add a small amount of beef mince but my 17 yo stepdaughter who is vegetarian absolutely loved it and believe me, she is extraordinarily fussy with whatever food she eats. Obviously I had to make two batches, one with and without meat. Also leftovers freeze really well and as my stepdaughter doesn't live with us full time I just throw it in the microwave for a quick dinner when needed.
Tam: Just made this with a 400gm can of brown lentils and borlotti beans as I discovered that I'd run out of dried lentils - followed the recipe and added a plonk of red wine - absolutely beautiful - thank you!!!!