Lentil Bolognese
This hearty and flavorful lentil bolognese is a vegan take on the classic Italian sauce. It's packed with vegetables and protein-rich lentils, making it a satisfying meal served over your favorite pasta. The sauce simmers slowly to develop deep, rich flavors.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 1 hr 5 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
Allergen information: may contain celery. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 2 tbspolive oil
- 1 pcsyellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 pcscarrot, finely chopped
- 1 pcscelery stalk, finely chopped
- 3 clovegarlic, minced
- 1 cupdried green lentils, rinsed
- 794 gcrushed tomatoes
- 2 cupvegetable broth
- 2 tbsptomato paste
- 1 tspdried oregano
- 1 tspdried basil
- 1 pcsbay leaf
- 0.5 tspsalt
- 0.25 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
garnish
- 2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped(optional)
Equipment
knife · cutting board · large pot · wooden spoon
The method
Step by step
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
About 1 min
- 2
Add the yellow onion, carrot, and celery stalk to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
About 7 min
- 3
Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- 4
Add the rinsed dried green lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
About 2 min
- 5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
About 35 min
Cook’s note: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 6
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
About 1 min
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
About 1 min
- 8
Serve hot over pasta and, if desired, garnish with fresh parsley.
Keep it good
Store leftover lentil bolognese in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed, or in the microwave until warmed through.
More recipes
All recipesmain course
Gamopilafo (Cretan Wedding Rice)
Gamopilafo is a rich and flavorful rice dish traditionally served at Cretan weddings. It features tender meat (lamb, goat, or rooster) cooked in a savory broth, then combined with rice and finished with a generous amount of staka butter. This recipe offers a taste of authentic Cretan celebration.
3 hr 1,087 kcalbeverage
Salted Lassi
Experience the refreshing zest of this traditional Indian Salted Lassi, a savory yogurt-based drink that perfectly balances creamy texture with a hint of spice. Ideal for cooling down on a warm day or complementing rich, flavorful meals, its simplicity belies its deeply satisfying taste.
5 min 151 kcalmain course
Gaeng Som (Sour Fish Curry)
Gaeng Som is a vibrant and intensely flavored Thai sour curry, known for its spicy, sour, and slightly sweet profile. This dish typically features fish and a variety of vegetables in a light, broth-like curry base. It's a refreshing and invigorating meal.
55 min 216 kcalmain course
Vegan Gemista (Greek Stuffed Tomatoes and Peppers)
This traditional Greek dish features ripe tomatoes and bell peppers generously stuffed with a fragrant rice mixture, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices. Baked until tender, it's a hearty and flavorful plant-based meal perfect for a Mediterranean diet. Serve warm or at room temperature.
2 hr 485 kcalmain course
Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers
Tender bell peppers are blanched and filled with a savory mixture of cooked shrimp, breadcrumbs, and aromatics. Baked until golden and bubbly, this dish serves as a satisfying and classic main course.
1 hr 10 min 262 kcaldessert
Sholeh Zard (Persian Saffron Rice Pudding)
Sholeh Zard is a traditional Persian saffron rice pudding, often prepared for special occasions and religious ceremonies. This fragrant and subtly sweet dessert features a beautiful golden hue from saffron and a delicate aroma from rosewater, garnished with cinnamon and pistachios. It's naturally vegan and gluten-free.
3 hr 15 min 342 kcalappetizer
Terrine de Campagne
This rustic French country pâté is a delightful appetizer, featuring a coarse mixture of ground pork, liver, and bacon. It's seasoned with herbs and spices, then slowly baked to create a rich, flavorful, and sliceable terrine. Perfect for serving with crusty bread and cornichons.
14 hr 30 min 330 kcal