Name: Spicy Red Pasta with Lentils
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 1/2 cup dry red lentils ((rinsed in cool water for 1 minute)); 2 cups water; 1 pinch sea salt; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced ((3 cloves yield ~1 1/2 Tbsp)); 1/4 cup carrots ((very finely diced)); 1/4 cup diced tomatoes ((optional)); 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce*; 2 Tbsp tomato paste; 1 pinch sea salt ((plus more to taste)); 1/2 tsp red chili flakes ((divided)); 1 Tbsp dried or fresh oregano; 1 Tbsp dried or fresh basil; 1-2 Tbsp sweetener of choice ((such as organic cane sugar or coconut sugar)); 1 Tbsp vegan parmesan cheese ((optional // plus more to taste)); 8 ounces gluten-free pasta ((I like Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Fussili, or sub carrot noodles))