Vegan French Lentil Bolognese

Introduction: Savor the rich and comforting flavors of a classic Italian Bolognese sauce with a vegan twist in our hearty Vegan French Lentil Bolognese recipe. Bursting with wholesome ingredients and robust seasonings, this plant-based rendition offers a satisfyingly hearty texture and an irresistible depth of flavor that will leave your taste buds craving more. Embrace the goodness of lentils and aromatic herbs as they come together to create a nourishing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200g) French lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups (480ml) vegetable broth
  • Cooked pasta of your choice, for serving
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  3. Add the rinsed and drained French lentils to the saucepan, along with the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring that the lentils are fully submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally.
  5. Once the lentils are cooked to perfection and the sauce has reached the desired consistency, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve the Vegan French Lentil Bolognese over cooked pasta of your choice, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
  7. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish as a wholesome meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for comforting Italian cuisine.

Nutritional Information:

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (without pasta)
  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 12g
  • Sugars: 7g
  • Protein: 10g

Conclusion: Elevate your dining experience with our Hearty Vegan French Lentil Bolognese, a nourishing and flavorful rendition of the classic Italian favorite. Packed with protein-rich French lentils, aromatic vegetables, and a medley of herbs and spices, this plant-based dish offers a satisfyingly hearty texture and an explosion of flavor in every bite. Whether enjoyed as a comforting weeknight meal or served to impress guests at your next gathering, this Vegan French Lentil Bolognese is sure to become a beloved favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Introduction: Step into the world of culinary excellence with our Ultimate Vegan French Lentil Bolognese, a meticulously crafted recipe that marries the rich tradition of Italian cuisine with the vibrant flavors of plant-based ingredients. This hearty dish transcends the ordinary, offering a symphony of textures and aromas that will enchant your senses and leave you yearning for more. Delve into the intricacies of lentils, vegetables, and aromatic herbs as they unite to create a culinary masterpiece that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Join us on a journey of epicurean delight as we unravel the secrets behind this sensational vegan rendition of a classic favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200g) French lentils, meticulously rinsed and drained to ensure optimal flavor and texture
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) of premium olive oil, selected for its distinctively fruity undertones and smooth finish
  • 1 onion, finely diced to achieve a harmonious blend of flavors in every spoonful
  • 2 carrots, lovingly peeled and diced to add a touch of sweetness and earthiness to the dish
  • 2 celery stalks, expertly diced to impart a subtle yet distinctive depth of flavor
  • 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced to infuse the sauce with its pungent aroma and robust essence
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400g) of crushed tomatoes, carefully sourced to ensure superior quality and rich tomato flavor
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) of tomato paste, selected for its concentrated richness and depth of flavor
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, meticulously measured to impart a hint of Mediterranean sunshine to the dish
  • 1 teaspoon of dried basil, delicately added to evoke memories of sun-drenched Italian gardens
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, precisely balanced to add a subtle herbal complexity to the sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste, ensuring a harmonious balance of flavors that tantalize the palate
  • 2 cups (480ml) of vegetable broth, thoughtfully chosen to enhance the savory depth of the sauce
  • Cooked pasta of your choice, selected according to personal preference and dietary considerations
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish, adding a vibrant burst of color and freshness to the finished dish

Instructions:

  1. Begin by preparing your mise en place, meticulously measuring and organizing all ingredients to facilitate a seamless cooking process.
  2. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering and fragrant.
  3. Add the finely diced onion, carrots, and celery to the saucepan, sautéing them gently until they become soft and translucent, imbuing the kitchen with their irresistible aroma.
  4. Introduce the finely minced garlic to the pan, stirring it gently until it releases its fragrant essence, infusing the vegetables with its pungent allure.
  5. Incorporate the meticulously rinsed and drained French lentils into the pan, allowing them to mingle with the aromatic vegetables and absorb their savory essence.
  6. Add the can of crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan, stirring them gently until they form a luscious, tomato-rich base for the sauce.
  7. Sprinkle the dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper into the pan, carefully balancing each herb and spice to achieve a harmonious symphony of flavors.
  8. Pour the vegetable broth into the pan, ensuring that the lentils are fully submerged in the liquid, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  9. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, covered, for 25-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the lentils to become tender and infused with the rich essence of the sauce.
  10. While the sauce simmers, prepare your chosen pasta according to package instructions, ensuring that it achieves the perfect al dente texture.
  11. Once the lentils are tender and the sauce has reached the desired consistency, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a final flourish of salt and pepper to elevate the flavors to perfection.
  12. Serve the Vegan French Lentil Bolognese over the cooked pasta of your choice, garnishing each plate with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant pop of color and freshness.
  13. Encourage your guests to savor each mouthful of this culinary masterpiece, allowing them to experience the intricate layers of flavor and texture that define this exquisite dish.

Nutritional Information:

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (without pasta)
  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 12g
  • Sugars: 7g
  • Protein: 10g

Smart Weight Watchers (WW) Points: Each serving of our Ultimate Vegan French Lentil Bolognese counts as 3 SmartPoints on the WW program, making it a guilt-free indulgence that aligns with your wellness goals.

Conclusion: Elevate your culinary repertoire with our Ultimate Vegan French Lentil Bolognese, a masterpiece of plant-based gastronomy that transcends the ordinary and delights the senses with its rich flavors and hearty textures. Whether enjoyed as a comforting weeknight meal or served to impress guests at your next gathering, this exquisite dish is sure to leave a lasting impression. With its nutrient-rich profile, vibrant colors, and tantalizing aromas, our Vegan French Lentil Bolognese is a testament to the endless possibilities of plant-based cooking and a celebration of the artistry of the culinary world.