Red Lentil Spaghetti Sauce

1 c. chopped onion
2 green peppers, diced
12 oz. sliced mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. oil
1 tsp. pepper
2 T. + 1 tsp. oregano
1 T. parsley
1 T. + 2 tsp. basil
4 c. tomato puree
1 c. tomato paste
4 c. water
2 c. red lentils, rinsed
2 T. Parmesan cheese

• In bottom of large dutch oven, saute onions, garlic, green peppers, and mushrooms in oil until tender
• Add seasonings, tomato puree and paste, lentils, water, and Parmesan cheese
• Simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally (keep pot uncovered)
• Serve over hot pasta topped with more Parmesan cheese. 
• Makes about 10 servings

I love lentils because you can sneak them into so many things and the family never knows.  Here's another one of those recipes that the boys never know is meat free and I don't volunteer the information!  Am I a bad mom or what?  They gobble it up and I sit back, satisfied that my family is eating some healthy stuff for dinner. 

Happy eats -

M.

Moist Chocolate-Lentil Cake

2 c. boiling water
1/4 tsp salt
2/3 c. washed lentils
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. oil
4 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. cake flour
1/4 c. cocoa
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

• Add lentils and salt to boiling water.  Cover and simmer for 40 minutes. 
• Drain lentils, reserving liquid.  
• Add 1/4 c. of liquid back to lentils. Make puree in blender or food processor.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Grease and flour a 9x13 pan.
• Mix sugar, oil, eggs and beat well for 2 minutes.
• Add vanilla and pureed lentils to creamed mixture.
• Sift flour, cocoa, salt, and soda and then add to creamed mixture. Beat for an additional 2 minutes.
• Pour into prepared cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
• Cool and then frost with favorite frosting!

Sssshhhhh - this cake is SO delicious your kids will never know there are lentils tucked away in there!  You can reduce the fat by substituting 1/2 c. applesauce for 1/2 c. of the oil as well. It doesn't stay as moist for as long but I have found it never sticks around long enough to matter. 

Happy eats -

M.