Pin it Experience a comforting and nutritious reimagining of an Italian classic with this Lentil Bolognese. This hearty, meat-free sauce uses wholesome brown or green lentils to create a rich, protein-packed texture that rivals any traditional ragu. It is the perfect choice for those seeking a satisfying, high-fiber meal that doesn't compromise on the deep, savory flavors characteristic of slow-simmered sauces.
Pin it The secret to this dish lies in the aromatic base of sautéed onions, carrots, and celery, which provides a sweet and savory foundation for the lentils to simmer in. Combined with crushed tomatoes and a blend of dried herbs, the sauce thickens into a robust topping that clings perfectly to every strand of spaghetti.
Ingredients
- Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz/800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 ½ cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- To Serve:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or preferred pasta
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
- Grated Parmesan or vegan alternative (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 7–8 minutes until softened.
- Step 2
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Add lentils, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, paprika, and bay leaf. Stir well.
- Step 4
- Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and sauce is thickened.
- Step 5
- Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 6
- While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain.
- Step 7
- Serve the sauce over pasta. Garnish with fresh herbs and cheese if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra richness and to enhance the natural flavors of the tomatoes, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a small pinch of sugar to the sauce to balance the acidity.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute red lentils for a quicker cooking time, though the resulting sauce will be creamier. For those following a gluten-free diet, simply serve this sauce over your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.
Serviervorschläge
This hearty meal pairs beautifully with a light Italian red wine, such as a Chianti, which complements the savory notes of the lentils and tomatoes.
Pin it This nourishing Lentil Bolognese offers a balanced nutritional profile with approximately 420 calories, 70 grams of carbohydrates, and 19 grams of protein per serving, making it a powerful plant-based meal for any night of the week.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of lentils work best?
Brown or green lentils hold their shape during simmering, creating the perfect texture. Red lentils cook faster but become creamier, which still works well if you prefer a thicker consistency.
- → Can I make this ahead?
Yes, the sauce actually develops deeper flavor when made ahead. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.
- → Is this completely gluten-free?
The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free. Simply serve over gluten-free pasta to make the entire meal safe for those avoiding gluten.
- → How do I get the sauce consistency right?
Simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes if the sauce seems too thin. The lentils naturally thicken as they cook and release starch. Add more broth if it becomes too thick.
- → What pasta shapes work well?
Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are classic choices. For shorter pasta, penne, rigatoni, or fusilli catch the sauce beautifully in their ridges and tubes.
- → Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be sautéed with the base vegetables for extra nutrition and texture.