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Hearty Vegan Lentil Bolognese

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A cozy, plant-based lentil bolognese that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for quick weeknight dinners. This vegan recipe uses simple pantry staples and simmers to a rich, satisfying sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 small carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 28 oz (800 g) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable broth, low sodium preferred
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) red wine (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the lentils under cold running water until water runs clear. Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 7 minutes until vegetables are soft and onions translucent.
  3. Add garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  4. If using, pour in red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
  6. Season with oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaf, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  7. Stir in rinsed lentils. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and partially cover. Simmer gently for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and sauce thickened.
  8. Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning and sauce thickness as needed by adding broth or simmering uncovered.
  9. Serve over pasta or as a filling for stuffed vegetables. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

Do not rush the simmer to avoid mushy lentils. Stir every 5-7 minutes to prevent sticking. Toast tomato paste with garlic and veggies for deeper flavor. Red wine is optional and can be replaced with broth. Adding soy sauce or tamari at the end can deepen flavor. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegan, lentil bolognese, plant-based, easy dinner, cozy meal, lentils, tomato sauce, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/hearty-vegan-lentil-bolognese-recipe-for-easy-cozy-plant-based-meals/