Description
This Lentil Bolognese is a hearty and healthy vegetarian twist on the classic Italian meat sauce. Made with green or brown lentils simmered with sautéed vegetables, crushed tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, it delivers rich flavor and satisfying texture perfect for serving over your favorite pasta or enjoying as a wholesome meal on its own. It’s a simple, nutritious dish ready in just 40 minutes, ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pantry Items
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Rinse the lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Chop the onion, carrot, and celery, then mince the garlic cloves carefully to prepare all the vegetables.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they soften and begin to release their aromas. Then stir in the minced garlic, cooking briefly to avoid burning.
- Add Lentils and Tomatoes: Stir the rinsed lentils into the pan along with the crushed tomatoes, mixing everything thoroughly so the flavors combine well.
- Season the Sauce: Sprinkle in the dried basil, dried oregano, and add salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the sauce.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then partially cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape and the sauce has thickened.
- Final Taste and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or pepper. Serve hot over cooked pasta or enjoy on its own for a nutritious vegetarian meal.
Notes
- Rinsing lentils thoroughly removes any dust or impurities, ensuring a cleaner flavor.
- Partially covering the pan during simmering allows some liquid to evaporate, thickening the sauce while preventing it from drying out.
- This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a larger group or for leftovers.
- For added depth, you can include a splash of red wine to deglaze the pan after sautéing the vegetables.
- Substitute dried herbs with fresh if available; use 1 tablespoon fresh basil and oregano instead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
