Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese Using Difin Misir

Welcome to Abyssiniaeat. Today, I’m excited to share a delicious and innovative way to enjoy difin misir, the whole lentils commonly used in Ethiopian cuisine. These lentils are typically brown or green and known for their earthy flavor and nutritional benefits, making them a fantastic source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. In this recipe, we’ll highlight the unique flavor of difin misir while creating a hearty, satisfying Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese that everyone will love. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

• 1 cup difin misir (whole Ethiopian lentils)
• 4 cups water (for cooking lentils)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jalapeño, diced (optional for heat)
• 1 sweet bell pepper, diced
• Spaghetti (for serving)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Lentils: In a medium pot, combine 1 cup of difin misir with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until the lentils are tender (about 20-25 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 1/3 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add Carrots and Tomatoes: Stir in the shredded carrots and diced tomatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Incorporate Tomato Paste and Garlic: Add the tomato paste and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
5. Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in the salt, paprika, black pepper, and oregano. Stir to combine, allowing the spices to infuse into the mixture.
6. Combine with Marinara Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and mix thoroughly. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
7. Add Lentils and Herbs: Gently fold in the cooked difin misir, rosemary, diced jalapeño, and sweet bell pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to blend beautifully.
8. Serve with Spaghetti: Cook your spaghetti according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and toss with the lentil sauce until well coated.
9. Plate and Enjoy: Serve your Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Conclusion

This Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese featuring difin misir is not just a delightful way to enjoy pasta; it’s also a creative way to incorporate Ethiopian flavors into a classic Italian dish. These whole lentils provide texture and richness, making this meal nutritious and satisfying. Enjoy this delightful dish with family and friends, and feel free to experiment with your own variations! Also check my Easy Vegan Pasta recipe