Description
Hearty lentil bolognese brings Italian comfort to plant-based dining. Rich tomato sauce and protein-packed lentils create a satisfying meal with deep Mediterranean flavors you can savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse lentils under running water until the water runs clear, ensuring no dirt or debris remains.
- Finely dice onion, carrot, and celery while mincing garlic to create a flavor-packed base for the bolognese.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium temperature, creating a shimmering surface that indicates optimal cooking readiness.
- Sauté the chopped vegetables for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
- Introduce minced garlic to the pan, allowing it to bloom and release its fragrant notes without burning.
- Pour in rinsed lentils and canned tomatoes, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle basil, oregano, salt, and pepper across the mixture, creating a harmonious blend of seasonings.
- Reduce heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer gently, partially covering the pan to trap moisture and flavors.
- Continue cooking for 25-30 minutes, periodically checking the lentils’ texture to ensure they become tender without disintegrating.
- Perform a final taste test, adjusting seasonings as needed to achieve the perfect flavor profile.
- Serve the rich, hearty bolognese atop al dente pasta or enjoy as a standalone dish with a garnish of fresh herbs.
Notes
- Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any debris or impurities, ensuring a clean and fresh base for your sauce.
- Dice vegetables uniformly for even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the bolognese.
- Select green or brown lentils for best results, as they hold their shape well during simmering and provide a hearty, meaty texture.
- For a protein-packed vegan version, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese when serving, adding a rich, savory flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg