I'm a big fan of a vegetables, they're great - love 'em!! I've talked about this before, and offered a few suggestion about how to make veggies more enjoyable. I'm also a big fan of legumes, and have talked about this before too! Because of my love for vegetables and legumes i've decided to do a 'Meatless Monday' mini series, where I provide you with one delicious meatless meal per week for the month of August. Try them out! All meals will be cheap, easy, delicious and super nourishing! Enjoying a few meatless meals per week is a fantastic way to fit more veggies into your day and meet the target of 5 a day. 

I created this delicious pasta for my community nutrition placement (sans chilli), so I can tell you that it's less than $2 per serve, around 3 serves of veg per serving and a crowd pleaser! 

Lentil, mushroom and chilli pasta (serves 5-6) 

What you need:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, diced

1 clove garlic, finely diced

1 chilli (optional, and can use dried)

300g mushrooms of choice, sliced

2 carrots, grated 

2 tins diced tomatoes

1 tin lentils, rinsed and drained

1 tablespoon dried italian herbs

salt and pepper to taste

1 packet of pasta of choice 

grated cheese, to serve 

What you do: 

1. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, chilli and mushrooms, saute until onion is translucent.  
2. Add grated carrot, tomatoes, dried herbs and lentils, season with salt and pepper and let simmer for 15 minutes. 
3. While this is cooking, cook pasta as per instructions on pack.
4. Serve pasta with sauce and cheese, and enjoy!!