Vegetarian Lentil Spaghetti

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup dry brown lentils
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes.
2. Add bell pepper, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in lentils and vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
4. Add diced tomatoes and spaghetti to the pot and stir to combine. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, or until spaghetti is al dente.
5. Stir in parsley and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Interesting Facts

• Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and several vitamins and minerals.
• The Italian seasoning used in this dish adds a savory flavor with a blend of herbs such as oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram.
• This dish can easily be made gluten-free by substituting gluten-free spaghetti.