Mushroom Bolognese Fettucini

Although I might say this about a lot of dishes, I really did find this one to be truly amazing!  Both of us love mushrooms, so when I spotted this recipe- it was definitely a must-try.  It does take a little bit of time to simmer the sauce, therefore I would recommend it for a weekend evening.  But it’s well worth the time, every single bite.  The variety (and amount) of mushrooms in the sauce gave it a meaty texture.  Serve it with a glass of red wine (especially since you had to open a bottle for this recipe), and you’ve got yourself a treat.

Mushroom Bolognese Fettucini
Adatped by: The Italian Dish Blog

3 tbsp olive oil
2 carrots, peeled & diced
2 celery ribs, diced
1 onion, diced
salt & pepper to taste
4 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 cups red wine
1 lb baby portabella mushrooms, chopped
1/4 cup shiitake mushrooms, chopped
1 1/2 cups beef broth
2 15-oz can crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp sugar
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp crushed red pepper

Heat olive oil in a large pot, then saute the onion, carrot, celery and garlic.  Add the salt and pepper to taste (recommendation, about 1-2 tsp).  Let the vegetables cook for about 5-10 minutes on low heat, until the onions are translucent.  Add the wine, and cook for another 5 minutes.  Then add all of the mushrooms and the rest of the ingredients.  Simmer, uncovered, for about 45 minutes to an hour; until the liquid has cooked off.  Feel free to add salt and pepper to taste if needed. 

* This step is optional.  We took half of the sauce and pureed it. We mixed the two halves together, and then poured it over the cooked fettucini.

Homestyle Lentil Soup

There are still a couple of nights that are still a little chilly, so a soup night is always something to look forward to.  And fresh bread to add to this soup, is just perfect.  We usually pick up a baguette at Cowgirl Creamery, where there is always a couple of fresh ones.  I enjoyed this soup since it not only had the lentils, very filling, but it also has plenty of vegetables- which are always tasty in a soup. 

Homestyle Lentil Soup
Adapted from: Honest Fare Blog

2 cups lentils
4 carrots, cut diagonally about 1/4 inch thick
1 15-oz can diced tomatoes
1 yellow onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups of water
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped
3 bay leaves
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp paprika
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Heat oil in a large pot.  Once heated, add onions, garlic and carrots.  Saute until lightly brown, then add tomatoes, herbs and paprika.  Stir and cook for 3 minutes.  Then add water, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, lentils, salt and pepper.  Cover, and bring to a boil. 

Once the soup is boiling, reduce heat to simmer.  Then simmer the sopu for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the lentils are cooked.  Ladle some in a bowl, and serve with fresh bread.

Lentil Sloppy Joe’s

We don’t make too much meat at home, mostly when we go out to eat.  Although we only make meat at home once a week, it doesn’t mean that certain foods are off limits.  Therefore, when I was flipping through a vegan book which we own, I thought the lentil sloppy joe’s were a great idea!  Plus it was really easy to make- which is definitely an addition to weeknight meals.

Lentil Sloppy Joe’s
Adapted from: Veganomicon

1 cup uncooked lentils
4 cups of water
1 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
5 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp Mexican-style chili powder
2 tbsp Ground Cayenne Red Pepper
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
6 oz Chili Sauce
6 burger buns

Heat water in a small saucepan, once it comes to a boil, add the lentils.  Lower the heat and simmer the lentils for about 20-30 minutes, until they are soft.  Drain, and set aside (you can make them the day before).

Preheat a saucepan over medium heat.  Saute the onion, green pepper and garlic  in the oil until onions are softened.  Stir in: cooked lentils, chili powder, cayenne, oregano and salt.  Then add the Chili Sauce, and heat through.  Turn off the heat, and let the ingredients sit for about 10 minutes.  Place on top of the buns and enjoy!