Lentil Bolognese Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate lentils & tomatoes: Add the rinsed lentils, crushed canned tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/lentil-bolognese-recipe/
