lentil

Lentil Bolognese

Lentil Bolognese

Lentil Bolognaise

Serves 6

Ingredients:
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
6 ounces button mushrooms
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
8 oz. lean ground beef (at least 90% lean) (or meat substitute)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 (14-ounce) can whole tomatoes
1/2 cup dried red lentils
1 pound whole grain spaghetti

Shredded Parmesan cheese, for serving

Directions:

1. In food processor, pulse together garlic, onion, carrot and mushrooms until finely chopped.

2. In a large skillet, add the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the finely chopped vegetables, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Then cook together, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 4 to 5 minutes.

OR: In an Instant Pot, add olive oil and choose sauté feature to sauté vegetables.

3. Next add the ground beef (or meat substitute) and cook, breaking up with wooden spoon, until browned, 10 to 12 minutes.

OR: In an Instant Pot, add ground beef to the instant pot.

4. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add tomatoes (and their juices) and once added to the skillet, crush the tomatoes. Then add lentils, 2 cups water, and sea salt and pepper; simmer until lentils are tender, for about 15 to 20 minutes.

OR: In an Instant Pot, add ingredients in this step. Follow Instant Pot instructions to secure lid and then cook under high pressure for 5 to 7 minutes, or until lentils are tender.

5. Meanwhile cook the pasta, per the package instructions. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet (or Instant Pot) and toss to coat with the sauce.

6. Serve topped with shredded Parmesan cheese.

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Recipe: Chia Cherry Lentil Muffins

These delicious muffins deliver 5 grams of protein each - plus 2 grams of fiber! The fiber and protein boost comes from the lentils incorporated in the muffins. Check out this recipe and to learn more on how lentils can benefit your health - listen to a recent radio interview registered dietitian, Molly Morgan, click here.

Photo Credit: Novel Studios

Photo Credit: Novel Studios

Chia Cherry Lentil Muffins

Yield 16 Muffins

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups (370 mL) lentils, cooked
1/2 cup (120 mL) 100% orange juice
2 cups (475 mL) white wheat pastry flour
1 teaspoon (5 mL) salt
2 tablespoons (30 mL) chia seeds
1/2 cup (120 mL) sugar
1/2 cup (120 mL) vegetable or canola oil
1/2 cup (120 mL) vanilla yogurt
2 eggs
1 cup (250 mL) dried tart cherries

Directions:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Prepare 16 muffin tins with paper liners or non-stick cooking spray.

2. Combine the cooked lentils and orange juice in a food processor until the lentils are pureed.

3. In a large mixing bowl combine the pureed lentils, white wheat pastry flour and salt. Stir to combine.

4. Then add chia seeds, sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla yogurt, and eggs. Stir to combine. Then add-in the dried cherries and stir to combine.

6. Pour 1/3 of the muffin mixture in each of the muffin tins. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Cool the muffins on a cooling rack.

Nutrition Facts (per muffin): 210 calories, 8 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 25 milligrams cholesterol, 160 milligrams sodium, 32 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 15 grams sugar, 5 grams protein

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