Description
Hearty lentil bolognese brings Italian comfort to plant-based dining with rich, savory depth. Comforting pasta meets nutritious lentils in this simple yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 can (14 ounces / 396 grams) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until vegetables become translucent and slightly softened.
- Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, fresh basil, salt, pepper, and tomato paste, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add dried lentils to the mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the sauce.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Check lentils for tenderness and sauce consistency, adjusting seasoning if needed.
- Once lentils are soft and sauce has thickened to a rich, hearty texture, remove from heat.
- Ladle the warm Bolognese sauce over freshly cooked pasta of choice.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Enhance protein boost by adding extra lentils or mixing different varieties like green and red lentils for texture variation.
- Reduce cooking time by using pre-cooked or canned lentils, ensuring they’re well-drained before adding to the sauce.
- Make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free vegetable broth and serving over zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
- Customize heat levels by incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for those who enjoy spicier bolognese, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg