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LunchDinnerMain Course

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
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VeganVegetarianGluten-free

Allergen information: may contain celery. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Lentil Bolognese

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

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. 1

    Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

    About 1 min

  2. 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. 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. 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. 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. 6

    Remove the bay leaf before serving.

    About 1 min

  7. 7

    Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

    About 1 min

  8. 8

    Serve hot over pasta and, if desired, garnish with fresh parsley.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover lentil bolognese in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed, or in the microwave until warmed through.

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