Description
Lentil Bolognese is a wholesome and flavorful twist on traditional meat sauces, making it a perfect choice for both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. This comforting dish combines protein-rich lentils with aromatic vegetables, crushed tomatoes, and fragrant herbs to create a hearty sauce that’s ideal for pasta, polenta, or even as a filling for stuffed peppers. Quick to prepare, this recipe takes under an hour from start to finish, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly! Make a large batch and store portions for easy meals later on. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, Lentil Bolognese is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse lentils under cold water until clear. Chop the onion, carrot, celery, and mince the garlic.
- In a large pan over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté the onion, carrot, and celery until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic.
- Add rinsed lentils and canned tomatoes to the pan; stir well.
- Season with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Partially cover the pan and simmer on low heat for about 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Taste before serving; adjust seasoning if needed. Serve over cooked pasta or enjoy on its own.
Notes
- For added richness, consider adding a splash of red wine during cooking.
- If you prefer your sauce spicier, add red pepper flakes when sautéing vegetables.
- Leftover Lentil Bolognese freezes well; simply store in airtight containers for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg