Name: Lentil Bolognese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

Jump to 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.

A bowl of spaghetti is shown with the noodles forming a round base layer, pale yellow and smooth in texture, but loosely wound with some noodles showing at the sides. On top of the noodles is a thick layer of chunky red-brown lentil bolognese sauce that is filled with small lentils and diced tomatoes, creating a textured look. The sauce is sprinkled with small bits of finely chopped fresh parsley, adding a touch of green, and some grated white cheese is scattered on top for contrast. The bowl is white and sits on a wooden board over a soft cloth, with two silver forks resting inside. The background has blurred tomatoes and kitchen items on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in minced garlic and dried oregano, cooking until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
Step 3: Add rinsed lentils, crushed canned tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
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.
Step 5: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed, adding salt or pepper to preference.
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

A black bowl filled with a nest of light golden spaghetti on the bottom layer, topped generously with a thick, rich brown meat sauce containing visible small lentils and ground meat. The sauce is sprinkled with finely grated white cheese and fresh green chopped herbs scattered on top. A wooden spoon is resting in the bowl on the right side, partly buried in the spaghetti and sauce. In the blurred background, a white bowl holds two round beige-colored crackers, and the surface is a white marbled texture with some scattered green herb pieces around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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.