Lentil Bolognese
Lentil Bolognese is a delicious plant-based alternative to traditional meat sauces. This hearty dish combines earthy lentils with aromatic herbs and spices, creating a rich flavor profile that’s perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests. Serve it over your favorite pasta, rice, or baked potatoes for a satisfying meal that even picky eaters will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 8 oz pasta of choice (spaghetti or penne)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Add diced carrots and cook until softened.
- Stir in rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer until lentils are tender (about 25 minutes).
- Mix in crushed canned tomatoes and dried herbs; simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Combine cooked pasta with lentil bolognese in the pot, adding reserved pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine during step four. Feel free to substitute lentils with mushrooms for a different texture or add bell peppers for extra crunch.