Lentil Bolognese Recipe

Introduction

Lentil Bolognese offers a hearty, plant-based twist on the classic Italian sauce. Rich in flavor and satisfying textures, this dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. It pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) whole tomatoes, crushed
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Fresh basil, chopped (about ¼ cup)
• Pasta of choice, cooked according to package instructions

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Stir in minced garlic and dried oregano, cooking until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
3. Step 3: Add rinsed lentils, crushed canned tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
5. Step 5: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed, adding salt or pepper to preference.
6. Step 6: Stir in freshly chopped basil just before serving. Spoon the lentil bolognese over cooked pasta or enjoy it on its own.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine when adding the tomatoes and lentils.
• Use brown or green lentils for a firmer texture; red lentils will break down for a thicker sauce.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat boost.
• Top with vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy finish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much. This sauce also freezes well for up to 3 months.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lentils?

Yes, brown or green lentils hold their shape well and are ideal for this recipe. Red lentils cook faster and will create a thicker, softer sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The lentil bolognese sauce itself is gluten-free, but be sure to use gluten-free pasta if you need the entire dish to be gluten-free.

Lentil Bolognese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 105 reviews

This hearty Lentil Bolognese is a flavorful vegetarian twist on the classic Italian meat sauce. Made with lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, it simmers to a rich and satisfying sauce perfect for serving over your favorite pasta. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, this dish is a great plant-based option that doesn’t compromise on taste.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Lentil Bolognese Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 1 (28 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand or with a spoon
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 12 oz pasta of choice

Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic & spices: Stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano. Continue cooking while stirring for about 1 minute, until the garlic releases its aroma but does not brown.
3. Incorporate lentils & tomatoes: Add the rinsed lentils, crushed canned tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Simmer away: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until the lentils are tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Taste & adjust seasoning: Towards the end of cooking, taste the sauce and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference. Stir well to distribute the seasoning.
6. Add fresh herbs & serve: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly chopped basil. Serve the lentil bolognese hot over cooked pasta or enjoy it on its own as a comforting meal.

Notes

• Use brown or green lentils as they hold their shape better during cooking.
• For a smoother sauce, mash some of the lentils with the back of a spoon during simmering.
• Feel free to add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• To keep it gluten-free, serve over gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables.

Keywords: lentil bolognese, vegetarian pasta sauce, plant-based bolognese, lentil recipe, Italian vegetarian dish