Description
This Hearty Vegan Lentil Bolognese is a rich and satisfying plant-based twist on the classic Italian meat sauce. Made with lentils, vegetables, herbs, and a deep tomato base, it’s perfect over pasta for a comforting, protein-packed dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
- Cooked pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1–2 more minutes.
- Add lentils, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
- Pour in vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and sauce is thick.
- Stir in soy sauce and balsamic vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve over pasta and garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Use canned lentils to reduce cooking time—substitute 2½ cups canned lentils and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- To make oil-free, sauté vegetables in broth instead of olive oil.
- Let the sauce simmer longer uncovered for a thicker consistency.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for extra texture and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (sauce only, no pasta)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: undefined
