The Food: Lentil Sauce for Pasta
INGREDIENTS
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 large white onion, chopped
1 Dozen fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 small zucchini, chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed and sliced
1 cup dry lentils
3 cups water
1 15-20 ounce can tomato sauce
1 6 ounce can tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)Beans and lentils are very characteristic of Sicilian cuisine. This is a good recipe for a cold and rainy day as it has qualities of a thick soup that also is a substitute for meat since it has a lot of protein.
In a pot heat some olive oil over medium heat. Once its warmed up, add the onions, mushrooms, zucchini. Take your cloves of garlic and smash them down lightly with the flat part of your knife to remove the skins, then thinly slice. Add to the pot and stir in until all the vegetables are tender, about 5-10 minutes.
Add the cup of dry lentils and 3 cups of cold water, if you are using water from the tap, be sure to let the water run hard for a few minutes. Stir occasionally until it comes to a boil. Reduce the head and mixture to a simmer and cover the pot. Allow to cook for 50 minutes.
Next stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, and the sugar. Now, the sugar is optional, I never dreamed of using sugar in my cooking outside of liquor, but sometimes if the tomatoes are too acid, the sugar will mellow the acidy flavor, and it also brings out the taste of the tomatoes, so its your choice, try it both ways so you can see the difference. Now is a good time to start boiling the water in another pot for your pasta.
To the tomato mixture, add in another half cup of cold water, bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and continue to simmer for 25 more minutes stirring occasionally.
Remember, this sauce should be thick. As for the type of pasta you should use? Its really a personal choice but I personally would use a type of pasta that is short and has ridges like penne rigate or rigatoni, that will hold this thick sauce well.
HOMESearch | Store | News | People | History | Region | Language | Food | Cinema | Links | Contact
© Copyright 1999-2001 (MCMXCIX) Cristaldi Communications Web Design, Hosting & Promotion - - July 22, 2001
