Lentil Bolognese

This hearty, savory Lentil Bolognese is a superb vegetarian meal that doesn’t sacrifice consolation. It’s additionally excessive in protein and fiber!

I get requested to share extra vegetarian recipes typically, and I’m all the time pleased to as a result of I really like consuming plant-based meals. Lentils are a incredible supply of protein and fiber, and in contrast to dried beans, they prepare dinner shortly with out pre-soaking. This vegetarian Lentil Bolognese makes a wonderful meatless dinner. Mushrooms and a complete can of tomato paste create a deeply savory basis of taste made richer with the wine, however you may simply omit it when you’d like. For a extra conventional Bolognese recipe, I’ve stovetop, gradual cooker, and Prompt Pot variations.

Crimson Lentil Bolognese Elements

Greens: Cube one yellow onion, two medium carrots, and eight ounces of child bella mushrooms.
Salt to season the greens
Tomato Paste: Use a whole can of tomato paste for a extra complicated taste.
Garlic: Mince three garlic cloves.
Wine: Crimson wine provides richness and depth to the Bolognese sauce. Ensure to make use of a dry, good-quality one.
Tomatoes: I swear by Tuttorosso’s canned tomatoes. Crushed or diced tomatoes will work right here.
Liquid: Use vegetable broth or water to prepare dinner the lentils.
Lentils: Brown, inexperienced, or cut up crimson lentils are all good choices for this Bolognese recipe. Every sort has roughly the identical cooking time, however cut up crimson lentils have a finer texture as soon as cooked, whereas brown or inexperienced will likely be extra distinctive within the sauce.
Herbs: Season the Bolognese with dried oregano or Italian seasoning and garnish with contemporary basil.
Parmesan: Garnish with freshly grated parmesan or dietary yeast for a vegan lentil Bolognese.
Pasta: To extend the protein, serve this dish over high-protein pasta.

The best way to Make Lentil Bolognese

Greens: Sauté the onion, carrots, mushrooms, and salt in a big pot over medium warmth. Prepare dinner till the onions are translucent and the mushrooms begin to prepare dinner down.
Tomato Paste: Stir within the tomato paste and garlic and prepare dinner for 5 minutes till the paste is a deeper crimson and begins to scent toasted.
Bolognese Sauce: Pour the crimson wine into the pot to deglaze and prepare dinner for one more minute. Add the tomatoes, broth, lentils, and Italian seasoning. Improve the warmth to excessive, stirring sometimes, till the liquid is just under a boil.
Simmer: Cowl the pot, cut back the warmth to medium-low, and simmer for 25 to 40 minutes till the lentils are tender. Preserve the liquid at an energetic simmer, which implies there must be slightly effervescent however not a full boil.
Pasta: Boil a big pot of salted water and prepare dinner the pasta to al dente in keeping with the bundle instructions. As soon as completed, drain the pasta and stir into the sauce.
The best way to Serve: Divide the lentil Bolognese into bowls and prime with grated parmesan or dietary yeast and contemporary basil.

Variations

Mushrooms: Swap child bellas with white button mushrooms.
Not a mushroom fan? You may skip the mushrooms when you dislike them, however they do give the sauce a meatier texture and umami taste. In case you cube them very small, the mushrooms aren’t as noticeable.
Wine: Substitute crimson wine with white wine or omit it when you want to not prepare dinner with it. In case you don’t need to open a whole bottle of wine, purchase the mini bottles or cans on the grocery store.
Broth: In case you’re not vegetarian, you may all the time use rooster broth or inventory if that’s what you’ve.

What to Serve with Lentil Bolognese

Pasta: This simple Lentil Bolognese sauce is superb over pasta, like linguini, rigatoni, or rotini. I used Barilla’s Protein+ pasta for additional protein and fiber. In case you have a gluten sensitivity, select your favourite gluten-free noodles.
For a lower-carb choice, serve it over zucchini noodles.
If you wish to add a aspect dish, do that pasta with garlic knots, an Italian side salad, or roasted inexperienced beans.
Meat: In case you’re not vegetarian and need extra protein, pair it with salmon or rooster.

Storage

Leftovers will last as long as 5 days within the fridge or three months within the freezer.

You may freeze the Bolognese and pasta collectively or make simply sufficient pasta for the primary night time. Then freeze the sauce individually and prepare dinner contemporary pasta earlier than consuming.
To thaw, let the container sit in a single day within the fridge and reheat it on the range or within the microwave till heat. Chances are you’ll want so as to add a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick.

Lentil Bolognese FAQ

What’s lentil Bolognese?

Bolognese is an Italian pasta sauce manufactured from floor meat, tomatoes, greens, and milk or cream, which originated in Bologna, Italy. Lentil Bolognese swaps floor meat with lentils for a vegetarian meal that’s additionally extra economical since lentils price lower than meat.

What can I put in Bolognese as a substitute of meat?

Lentils and mushrooms are frequent substitutions for meat in Bolognese. Some recipes use walnuts, tofu, or a vegan floor meat different.