Name: Lentil Bolognese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 1 rib celery (finely chopped); 1 large carrot (finely chopped); 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; ½ teaspoon rosemary; 2 bay leaves (optional); 8 ounces mushrooms (grated); 4 cups vegetable stock; 24 ounces tomato puree; 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown); 1 teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or soy sauce)

Why Make This Recipe

Lentil Bolognese is a healthy and hearty twist on the classic spaghetti Bolognese. It is perfect for anyone looking for a vegetarian or vegan option that still packs a punch in terms of flavor and nutrition. Lentils are high in protein and fiber, making this dish not only filling but also good for your health. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners or meal prep!

🧰 Kitchen tools commonly used in similar recipes

Before starting, many home cooks like to have these basic tools ready:

How to Make Lentil Bolognese

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
1 rib celery (finely chopped)
1 large carrot (finely chopped)
3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
2 tablespoons tomato paste (the thick one that comes in a tube or small can)
½ teaspoon rosemary
2 bay leaves (optional)
8 ounces mushrooms (grated with large holes of a box grater)
4 cups vegetable stock
24 ounces (one glass bottle) tomato puree (or passata)
1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)
1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or soy sauce)

Directions:

Flavor Base:

Finely chop the onion, celery, carrot, and garlic with a knife or a food processor.
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped vegetables and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring often.
Add the tomato paste, grated mushrooms, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Simmer:

Rinse the lentils, checking for stones or dirt.
Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable stock, and tomato puree to the pot.
Simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the lentils are cooked, stirring occasionally.

Final Touch:

Discard the bay leaves and stir in the balsamic vinegar.
Use an immersion blender or standing blender to blend some of the sauce (1 to 2 cups) until you reach your desired texture.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

How to Serve Lentil Bolognese

Cook your favorite pasta, like tagliatelle, fettuccine, or spaghetti, in plenty of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions but cook it for 2 minutes less than recommended. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Add the pasta to a skillet with the Lentil Bolognese, along with ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything on medium heat for a minute. Serve hot, topped with fresh basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese for added flavor.

How to Store Lentil Bolognese

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep it longer, freeze the Lentil Bolognese in a safe container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips to Make Lentil Bolognese

For added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine during the simmering stage.
Experiment with spices like paprika or chili flakes if you want a bit of heat.
You can replace lentils with canned beans for a quicker version, just make sure to adjust the cooking time.

Variation

If you want to give a different twist to your Lentil Bolognese, you can add additional vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers. These can be sautéed along with the initial vegetables for more nutrition and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make Lentil Bolognese ahead of time?
Yes! This dish actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

2. Can I use different types of lentils?
Yes, you can use green or brown lentils in this recipe. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly.

3. Is this recipe vegan?
Yes! Lentil Bolognese is naturally vegan and made without any animal products. Enjoy it without worrying about dietary restrictions!