Red Lentil Bolognese
Lentil Bolognese is a vegetarian take on traditional bolognese sauce, packed with Italian flavor and featuring red lentils for protein and texture!
Servings: 6
Calories: 171kcal
Ingredients
- 1 small yellow onion
- 1 large carrot
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 18 ounces tomato purée
- ¾ cup vegetable broth or water
- ¼ cup red wine
- ½ cup red lentils rinsed
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 12 ounces dried pasta
- Grated parmesan cheese to serve, if desired
Instructions
- Chop onion into small pieces.
- Dice carrot into very small cubes.
- Mince garlic cloves.
- In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add onion, carrot, and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 8 minutes.
- Add tomato puree, vegetable broth, red wine, red lentils, oregano, basil, and salt. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently, then turn down heat to medium-low.
- Continue to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. Carrots and lentils should be tender. Taste and add additional salt and pepper, if desired.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta in the boiling water until tender (refer to the instructions on your package). Drain.
- Serve pasta immediately, topped with lentil bolognese sauce, and garnished with parmesan cheese (if desired).
Notes
- Tomatoes and tomato puree vary in acidity. Taste sauce after it has simmered for 10 minutes or so. If it tastes too acidic, add a tablespoon of brown sugar.
- Substitute more vegetable broth or water in place of the red wine, if you don't have any.
- Leave off the parmesan cheese garnish if making a vegan dish, or subsitute with vegan parmesan cheese.
- Red lentil bolognese sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place in an airtight container or ziplock freezer bag. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in saucepan on stovetop.
Nutrition
Calories: 171kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 242mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g
