Vegan Lentil Bolognese

Introduction: Experience the comforting flavors of traditional Italian cuisine with a plant-based twist in our Vegan Lentil Bolognese recipe. This hearty and wholesome dish offers all the richness and depth of a classic Bolognese sauce, but with the added nutritional benefits of lentils. Perfect for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone seeking a satisfying meatless meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 2 carrots, finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups cooked pasta of your choice (such as spaghetti or fettuccine)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Start by rinsing the lentils under cold water and picking out any debris. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the lentils and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Drain any excess water and set the lentils aside.
  2. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, ensuring that the vegetables are well coated. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Add the cooked lentils to the skillet, along with the dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  6. Season the Bolognese sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences, adding more herbs or spices if desired.
  7. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  8. To serve, spoon the Vegan Lentil Bolognese over the cooked pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
  9. Enjoy this wholesome and satisfying meal, knowing that you’re nourishing your body with the goodness of lentils and vegetables, all packed into a deliciously comforting dish.

Nutritional Information:

  • Serving Size: 1 cup of sauce with 1 cup of cooked pasta
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Dietary Fiber: 12g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 15g

SmartPoints® Value: 9 per serving

Conclusion: Our Vegan Lentil Bolognese is a celebration of flavor, texture, and nutrition, making it the perfect addition to your meatless meal repertoire. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests with your culinary skills, this dish is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Embrace the joys of plant-based cooking and indulge in the rich, satisfying flavors of this classic Italian-inspired dish. Buon appetito!

Introduction: Step into the world of plant-based culinary excellence with our Vegan Lentil Bolognese recipe. Rooted in the rich tradition of Italian cuisine, this hearty and nourishing dish offers a delightful alternative to the classic meat-based Bolognese sauce. Crafted with love and care, our recipe combines the earthy flavors of lentils with aromatic herbs and savory vegetables, resulting in a dish that is as comforting as it is nutritious. Whether you’re a committed vegan, a passionate foodie, or simply seeking a flavorful meatless meal, our Vegan Lentil Bolognese is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling fully satisfied.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely diced
  • 2 medium carrots, finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups cooked pasta of your choice (such as spaghetti or fettuccine)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Begin by rinsing the lentils under cold water, ensuring they are free from any debris. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the lentils and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender yet still retain their shape. Drain any excess water and set the lentils aside.
  2. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, ensuring the vegetables are well coated. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Add the cooked lentils to the skillet, along with the dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  6. Season the Bolognese sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preferences.
  7. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  8. To serve, spoon the Vegan Lentil Bolognese over the cooked pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
  9. Enjoy this wholesome and satisfying meal, knowing that you’re nourishing your body with the goodness of lentils and vegetables, all packed into a deliciously comforting dish.

Nutritional Information:

  • Serving Size: 1 cup of sauce with 1 cup of cooked pasta
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Dietary Fiber: 12g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 15g

SmartPoints® Value: 9 per serving

Conclusion: Our Vegan Lentil Bolognese is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and nourishment. With each bite, you’ll savor the hearty goodness of lentils, perfectly complemented by the aromatic herbs and savory vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress and delight. Embrace the joys of plant-based cooking and indulge in the rich, satisfying flavors of this classic Italian-inspired dish. Buon appetito!