Don't worry we have eaten other meals in between. We haven't just lived on pasta this week. We've had carrot, lentil and spinach soup, vegetable packed pizza and an aubergine dish with potatoes and asparagus. One night it all went to pot and we gave up and ate chips (fries my American friends) from the chip shop with quickly heated baked beans. Yes, even food bloggers have nights like that.
Tinned or freshly cooked lentils?
I have to admit I use a mixture of tinned (canned) lentils and freshly cooked, although I lean more towards tinned lentils. I add fresh red lentils to soups, stews and dal, but if I'm using green, puy or beluga lentils I tend to buy them tinned or in ready to eat pouches.
For this dish I used Napolina tinned lentils which are brown lentils in water. They are part of a new range from Napolina, that well known Italian brand. They have also introduced two ready to use sugar free jarred pasta sauces, tomato passata, extra virgin olive oil spray and two varieties of gluten-free pasta (green pea and red lentil).
What is a ragu?
A ragu is an Italian meat sauce for pasta. What we call bolognaise or bolognese in this country is what would be known as a ragu in Italy. Ragu was originally created for Pope Pio VII by his chef Alberto Alvisi in the 18th century.
For a vegetarian or vegan ragu you can replace the meat with vegetarian (soya) mince or lentils. I replaced the meat with lentils in my mushroom and lentil ragu, but I usually add veggie mince to my bolognaise.
Another ragu (or bologanise fact) is that it is always served with tagliatelle in Italy, never spaghetti. Spaghetti bolognaise was introduced by Italians living in the UK for the British palate. I serve this ragu with tagliatelle the Italian way. The sauce really coats the pasta. Absolutely delicious!
A rich mushroom and lentil ragu served with tagliatelle the Italian way. An easy your family and friends will love. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
300g large flat mushrooms, finely chopped
400g tin brown lentils, drained and rinsed
a generous glug of red wine
1 ½ tsp dried thyme
400g tin chopped tomatoes
3 tbsp tomato puree
1 vegetable stock cube
a good grinding of salt and pepper
Instructions
1. In a large pan, saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil until soft. 2. Add the mushrooms and cook those until they are soft too, then add the lentils, chopped tomatoes, thyme, wine and tomato puree. Crumble in the stock cube and stir well. 3. Leave it to cook gently for 25-30 minutes until the sauce is rich and thick.4. Season with salt and pepper and serve with freshly cooked tagliatelle. 5. Enjoy!
Disclosure: I created this recipe to highlight new products from Napolina. I was not expected to write a positive review and any opinions expressed are my own.
Ooo that looks so hearty and full of flavour! I used to love the Napolina brand when was in the UK. I always used their canned tomatoes. It's great that they are expanding their range. Canned lentils are so handy!
Yes the tomatoes and really good quality. You see the difference when you use Napolina then a supermarket brand. Canned lentils are fab for adding to dishes.
That's the type of recipe I can eeat all day this season and never complain!! I love the addition of mushrooms here, I can imagine how it boosts up the ragu!! YUM
Pasta week sounds like my idea of heaven. Come to think of it, so does this dish! Looks so rich and delicious - can't wait to give it a whirl in my kitchen :)
It depends what type, if they need soaked overnight and cook time. For instance red lentils or puy lentils don't need pre soaking and will cooking within the cooking time of the sauce, so they could just be thrown in although a bit of extra stock may be needed. Others that take longer I would precook. Do a batch and keep some for salads.
I love reading comments, so thank you for taking the time to leave one. Unfortunately, I'm bombarded with spam, so I've turned on comment moderation. I'll publish your comments as soon as I can and respond to them. Don't panic, they will disappear when you hit publish. Jac x
Did you mean 300g of mushrooms, not 300 mushrooms? ?
ReplyDeleteHaha yes you got me there, it was supposed to be 300g. The g dropped off.
DeleteI love lentils stewed with tomatoes, so good. Your ragu is right up my alley!
ReplyDeleteThanks and yes it is a good combination.
DeleteOoo that looks so hearty and full of flavour! I used to love the Napolina brand when was in the UK. I always used their canned tomatoes. It's great that they are expanding their range. Canned lentils are so handy!
ReplyDeleteYes the tomatoes and really good quality. You see the difference when you use Napolina then a supermarket brand. Canned lentils are fab for adding to dishes.
DeleteThat's the type of recipe I can eeat all day this season and never complain!! I love the addition of mushrooms here, I can imagine how it boosts up the ragu!! YUM
ReplyDeleteHaha me too and I love mushrooms so they were a must.
DeleteThis looks so good! Ragu is definitely a favorite in my house.
ReplyDeleteThanks, it's a new favourite here, well if you don't count bolognaise that is.
DeleteMy daughter has been thinking about going vegetarian and I think this would be a great "meaty" substitute for her.
ReplyDeleteOh yes I am sure she would love this it's a good transitional dish.
DeleteThis sounds delicious! So warm and comforting, perfect for fall! I'm pinning this to try soon, thanks!
ReplyDeleteOh good, I hope you do enjoy it and thanks for pinning it :)
DeleteThis is a perfect fall dish and mushrooms must be delicious, too. Saving for the weekend.
ReplyDeleteOh good, I hope you enjoy it.
ReplyDeletePasta week sounds like my idea of heaven. Come to think of it, so does this dish! Looks so rich and delicious - can't wait to give it a whirl in my kitchen :)
ReplyDeleteLooks a Great recipe we can't get tinned lentils where I live just dried so would you recommend cooking them pre this meal preparation
ReplyDeleteIt depends what type, if they need soaked overnight and cook time. For instance red lentils or puy lentils don't need pre soaking and will cooking within the cooking time of the sauce, so they could just be thrown in although a bit of extra stock may be needed. Others that take longer I would precook. Do a batch and keep some for salads.
Delete