Hearty Vegetarian Lentil Bolognese: 6 Amazing Secrets
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Make a rich, hearty meatless ragu with lentils. This Vegetarian Lentil Bolognese brings deep flavor to your pasta night.
- Author: Sasha Nguyen
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Add rinsed lentils, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- If using, pour in the red wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 40 to 50 minutes, or until lentils are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot over your favorite pasta, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Sasha suggests adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little warmth.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend a portion of the sauce before adding it back to the pot.
- This sauce freezes very well. Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1.5 cups sauce)
- Calories: Estimate needed
- Sugar: Estimate needed
- Sodium: Estimate needed
- Fat: Estimate needed
- Saturated Fat: Estimate needed
- Unsaturated Fat: Estimate needed
- Trans Fat: Estimate needed
- Carbohydrates: Estimate needed
- Fiber: Estimate needed
- Protein: Estimate needed
- Cholesterol: 0 mg