Let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: vegan lentil bolognese! This hearty sauce is not only rich and flavorful, but it’s also incredibly versatile. I love whipping it up on a cozy weeknight or serving it at gatherings with friends. The best part? It’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a guilt-free indulgence! The combination of lentils, fresh veggies, and aromatic herbs creates a deliciously satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. Plus, it pairs perfectly with any pasta you have on hand. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!

Ingredients for Vegan Lentil Bolognese

Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty vegan lentil bolognese. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that rich flavor and satisfying texture!

1 cup lentils: I prefer green or brown lentils for their texture, but red lentils work too if you want a softer sauce.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor when sautéing the veggies.
1 onion, chopped: This adds a sweet base to the sauce.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor.
1 carrot, diced: It brings a subtle sweetness and lovely color.
1 celery stalk, diced: Adds crunch and earthiness to the mix.
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes: This is the heart of the sauce, making it saucy and delicious.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: For that concentrated tomato flavor!
1 teaspoon dried oregano: This classic herb adds an Italian touch.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Perfect for that fresh, aromatic flavor.
Salt to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
Pasta of choice: Any pasta works great, so feel free to use your favorite!

How to Prepare Vegan Lentil Bolognese

Now, let’s dive into the heart of this recipe! Making vegan lentil bolognese is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll love how it all comes together. Follow these steps for a delicious meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Step 1: Rinse the Lentils

First things first, rinse your lentils under cold water. This helps remove any dust or debris. Give them a good rinse until the water runs clear, then set them aside to drain. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference in the final dish!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery. Sauté everything for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. You want to see the onion turn translucent—that’s when you know it’s time to move on!

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Now, it’s time to add the star of the show! Stir in the rinsed lentils, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and a sprinkle of salt. Mix everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. I usually go for al dente—just slightly firm to the bite. Once it’s cooked, drain it and set it aside.

Step 5: Serve the Dish

Finally, it’s time to plate! Serve the luscious lentil bolognese over your pasta, and if you’re feeling fancy, top it with some fresh basil or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor! Enjoy every hearty bite of this comforting dish!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each serving of this vegan lentil bolognese. Keep in mind these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:

Calories: 250
Fat: 8g
Protein: 13g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 12g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg

With all that goodness, you can feel great about diving into this hearty meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Satisfying: This vegan lentil bolognese is so filling, you won’t miss the meat!
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Packed with Nutrients: Lentils are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, making this dish wholesome and nutritious.
Versatile: You can pair it with any pasta or even serve it over rice or veggies for a delightful twist.
Perfect for Everyone: It’s vegan, so it’s great for plant-based diets, but everyone will love it!

Tips for Success

To make your vegan lentil bolognese truly shine, here are some handy tips! First, don’t skip rinsing the lentils—it’s essential for removing any grit. Keep an eye on the simmering sauce; if it gets too thick, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen it up. Taste as you go! Adjusting the seasoning is key, so feel free to add more salt or herbs to match your preference. Lastly, let the sauce sit for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, these little details make a big difference!

Variations of Vegan Lentil Bolognese

The beauty of vegan lentil bolognese is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste! Want to spice things up? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick! You can also throw in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and flavor. If you’re a fan of fresh herbs, consider tossing in some chopped parsley or thyme just before serving for a burst of freshness. Want a smoky twist? A dash of smoked paprika works wonders! The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make this dish your own!

Serving Suggestions

For the perfect meal, consider serving your vegan lentil bolognese with a side of garlic bread—it’s great for sopping up that delicious sauce! A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the hearty pasta beautifully. You could also add a sprinkle of vegan parmesan for a cheesy touch. Enjoy!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you have any leftovers (which I doubt because it’s so good!), you can store your vegan lentil bolognese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just let it cool completely before sealing it up. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. You can also microwave it in a safe dish, just make sure to cover it to avoid splatters! If it seems a bit thick after refrigerating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Enjoy those delicious leftovers!

For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!

For more information on the health benefits of lentils, you can visit Healthline.

Vegan Lentil Bolognese: 5 Hearty Reasons to Indulge

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty vegan lentil bolognese sauce perfect for pasta.

Instructions

Rinse the lentils and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until soft.
Add lentils, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and salt.
Simmer for 30 minutes until lentils are tender.
Cook pasta according to package instructions.
Serve the bolognese sauce over the pasta.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to your taste.
Serve with fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 12g
Protein: 13g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: vegan lentil bolognese, lentil pasta sauce, vegan pasta

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