Goya Lenten Sauce For Spaghetti
A hearty and flavorful lentil sauce packed with vegetables and aromatic spices, perfect for spaghetti and suitable for family dinners and meatless meals.
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups salad oil ⓘ
- 9 cups chopped onions ⓘ
- 9 cups chopped green peppers ⓘ
- 12 cups diced carrots ⓘ
- 12 cups finely diced celery ⓘ
- 16 cloves garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 20 large cans whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 16 small cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 16 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons pepper ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons ground cloves ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons paprika ⓘ
- 6 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 gallon Ragu sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat 4 1/2 cups of salad oil in a heavy skillet or pot.
- Add chopped onions, green peppers, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring often to prevent browning.
- Add salt, pepper, ground cloves, paprika, tomatoes, and tomato paste to the vegetables.
- Simmer uncovered over low heat for 1 hour or until well thickened.
- Add 1 gallon of Ragu sauce, bring to a low boil, then turn off the heat.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the sauce. For a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be included. If you need a quick substitute for Ragu sauce, try using another marinara or tomato-based sauce. Make sure to chop the vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This sauce pairs beautifully with spaghetti or any pasta of your choice. Serve it topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for added flavor. For a complete meal, consider side dishes like garlic bread or a simple green salad. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be frozen for up to three months. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it appears too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Goya Lenten Sauce For Spaghetti contains roughly 6340 calories, with 106g protein, 683g carbohydrates, and 447g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (1111% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (792% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes, this sauce can be made a day or two in advance. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
Is this sauce suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegans as it contains no animal products. Just ensure the Ragu sauce you use is also vegan-friendly, as some brands may include ingredients like cheese.
Can I add meat to this sauce?
Absolutely! If you prefer a meaty sauce, you can brown some ground beef, turkey, or sausage in the skillet before adding the vegetables. This will add richness and depth to your sauce, making it even heartier.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).