Description
A hearty and flavorful vegetarian twist on the classic Bolognese sauce, this Easy Lentil Bolognese is packed with protein and perfect for topping your favorite pasta. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s simple to make.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast or grated Parmesan (optional)
For Serving:
- fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- cooked pasta of choice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery; cook until softened.
- Stir in oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using, and cook for 1 minute.
- Add lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Simmer until lentils are tender and sauce has thickened.
- If sauce becomes too thick, add more broth or water. Stir in nutritional yeast or Parmesan if desired.
- Serve over cooked pasta, garnished with fresh herbs.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine with the tomatoes.
- This sauce can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired, Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup sauce
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
