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Lentil Rotini with Tomato, Spinach and Basil Sauce
A tomato, spinach and basil sauce served over a bed of red lentil rotini pasta. Quick and simple to prepare, this dish is a great way to add more vegetables and plant-based proteins into family meals. A recipe that's an easy and timeless classic. Vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 8 tomato, fresh, medium, chopped (retain the liquid)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, paste (3 tsp)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tbsp basil, dried (you could use 1/2fresh basil)
- 2 green chili
- 150 g spinach, fresh
- 4 cups water
- 2 cup red lentil rotini
Instructions
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large pan over medium heat
- Add the garlic and stir until lightly brown
- Add the tomatoes with their liquid, salt, basil and chillies
- Cook over medium-high heat, until the tomatoes are soft and mushy. I use a masher as I like it rustic. You could blend the sauce if you prefer
- Add the spinach and stir, coating all the leaves. Remove from heat after a few minutes, as you don’t want to over-cook the spinach
- In a large pot, boil 4 cups of water. I boil the water in my kettle and transfer to the pot, to save time.
- Add the pasta, stir and boil for 8-10 minutes. Take care not to overcook the pasta, as it will become mushy
- Once cooked, drain the water and drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil on the pasta
- Serve with a generous helping of the sauce
Notes
- Avoid overcooking the lentil pasta to prevent it from falling apart
- Use fresh or slightly wilted spinach to prevent food waste
- You want to avoid overcooking the spinach, otherwise, it will lose its nutritional value
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 393kcal (20%)Carbohydrates: 58g (19%)Protein: 22g (44%)Fat: 9g (14%)Saturated Fat: 1g (5%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 302mg (13%)Potassium: 548mg (16%)Fiber: 12g (48%)Sugar: 7g (8%)Vitamin A: 3700IU (74%)Vitamin C: 50.3mg (61%)Calcium: 70mg (7%)Iron: 4.3mg (24%)
Keep in mind that the nutritional values provided are approximations and suggestions, and might fluctuate depending on ingredient variations, portion sizes, and recipe adjustments. This nutrition facts table cannot account for your individual needs. Your body — including your hunger and satiety cues — change daily. It's perfectly fine to eat more or less on different days. Instead of letting food guilt take over, consider mindful eating.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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