Lentil Bolognese Recipe

Imagine gathering around a quaint wooden table, the scent of fresh basil and rich tomato sauce filling the air. Our Lentil Bolognese Recipe brings this sensory magic to your home. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a delightful evening with friends, this dish is a creative, vegan twist on a classic favorite. Packed with hearty lentils and infused with aromatic herbs, it’s a meal that promises both comfort and nourishment. Trust Zynahz to guide you through this culinary journey and make your gatherings unforgettable.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 4

Skill Level: Easy

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Vegan parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
• Pasta of your choice, cooked according to package instructions

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the rinsed lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Stir to combine.
4. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve over your cooked pasta, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of vegan parmesan cheese.

Helpful Tips

For a faster version, use pre-cooked lentils. You can also add chopped mushrooms for an extra meaty texture. If you prefer a richer flavor, let the sauce simmer longer, adding more broth as needed.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have dried oregano and basil, use an Italian seasoning blend. Fresh tomatoes can replace crushed tomatoes – just dice them and simmer longer.

Pairings

This Lentil Bolognese pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and a side of garlic bread. Complete the meal with a glass of your favorite red wine or a refreshing iced tea.

At Zynahz, we believe in bringing joy and creativity into your kitchen. We hope this Lentil Bolognese Recipe warms your hearts and your home. We invite you to try this recipe, share your results with us, and spread the love to friends and family. Dive into more delicious discoveries on Zynahz, follow us on social media, and sign up for our newsletter for more culinary inspiration. Happy cooking!