My love for lentils is never-ending and I’m always looking for recipes that highlight this amazing legume. Truly a superfood, lentils are high in protein and fiber, low in fat and calories and contain iron, vitamins and minerals. This hearty and healthy bolognese is a fabulous way to showcase all that lentils have to offer. Combine it with mushrooms and you’ve got a powerhouse of nutrients! A zesty combination of spices, veggies and sauce packs this bolognese full of flavor.  Enjoy! Â
LENTIL BOLOGNESE
This Lentil Bolognese is true comfort food! It's hearty, healthy and full of flavor, subbing in lentils and mushrooms for ground beef. So satisfying, and great served over your favorite pasta!
Servings 6
Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 6 cloves chopped/minced garlic I buy it already minced in jars in the produce section
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups veggie stock Recommend Kitchen Basics, unsalted
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes or my Pasta/Pizza Sauce for even more flavor
- 1/2 cup split red lentils (dry), rinsed and drained
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbps nutritional yeast adds cheesy umami flavor
- 1-2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 8-12 oz pasta (your favorite)
- vegan, parmesan, fresh basil, parsley
Instructions
- Chop onion and mushrooms into small pieces.
- In a large saucepan or Dutch Oven, saute onion for 4-5 minutes over medium heat (you can use 3 tbsp broth, water or oil)
- Whe onion is translucent, add mushrooms, garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika and salt. Stir and cook 2-3 minutes
- Add red wine vinegar. Stir and cook 1 minute.
- Add stock, crushed tomatoes/pasta sauce, red lentils, tomato paste, nutritional yeast and soy sauce.
- Bring to a light boil. Then, reduce heat, cover and lightly simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally. (This is a good time to cook the pasta.)
- Serve bolognese sauce over cooked pasta. Top with vegan parmesan, basil and/or parsley. Enjoy!
This was a delightfully delicious recipe. It was easy to prepare and the flavors blended well together. What a hearty meal to serve the family!
That’s great, Joan! Thank you for your feedback.
This was my second time making this. It was enjoyed by all. I added some fresh spinach to it towards the last 8 minutes of cook ing.
Good idea to add the greens– thanks for another great review!