Easy to make, really healthy & super tasty: this vegan Red Lentil Bolognese with lots of vegetables comes together in less than 1 hour.
Many people find lentils boring, but they are actually extremely versatile! Just think of lentil tortillas, casseroles, curries and dal. Lentils are also particularly suitable as a base for a vegan Bolognese sauce. This easy lentil Bolognese or lentil ragu is quick to make, full of fiber, plant-based protein and many other nutrients - combined with a wholegrain (or legume-based pasta for a gluten-free option), it makes a healthy lunch or dinner.
The Ingredients
- RED LENTILS: You can use either split or whole lentils.
- VEGETABLES: In addition to onions and garlic, carrots and celery are added. I recommend dicing the vegetables very finely so that the Bolognese sauce is not too chunky.
- TOMATO PURÉE & PASTE: … you just can't do Bolognese without it!
- VEGETABLE STOCK: Adds even more spice to the vegan Bolognese.
- HERBS & SPICES: Basil, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper round off the flavour.
- ACETO BALSAMICO: As no wine is used, balsamic vinegar provides the necessary touch of sweetness. Alternatively, use 1-2 teaspoons of maple syrup.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Chop the vegetables into small pieces. Briefly sauté the onions in a large pan, then add the garlic, celery and carrot and cook for a another 6-8 minutes.
Then add the tomato purée, tomato paste and red lentils.
Stir in the vegetable stock and bring everything to a boil. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, add the salt, pepper and herbs and leave to infuse for another 5 minutes. Finally, stir the balsamic vinegar into the lentil ragu.
Now quickly cook the pasta and your healthy vegan spaghetti bolognese is ready. By the way: this bolognese with red lentils is also incredibly good as a filling for vegan lasagne
More Recipes with Lentils
I hope you’ll give this vegan lentil bolognese a try. If you love this recipe, be sure to leave a comment, rate the recipe and tag me on instagram (#veggiejam) with your recreation.
Recipe
Easy Lentil Bolognese
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
Description
Easy to make, really healthy & super tasty: this vegan Red Lentil Bolognese with lots of vegetables comes together in less than 1 hour.
Ingredients
- 1 onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 carrots
- 1 celery stalk
- 2 cups tomato purée (500 g)
- ¾ cup red lentils (150 g)
- ¼ cup tomato paste (60 g)
- 2.5 cups cup vegetable broth (625 ml)
- 1 tsp basil, dried
- 1 tsp oregano, dried
- ½ tsp thyme, dried
- ½ tsp salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoon Aceto balsamico
Instructions
- Mince garlic ad finely chop onion, carrots and celery.
- Heat a bit of water in a large pan and sauté the onion for 1 min. Add garlic, celery and carrots and cook 6-8 mins.
- Add lentils, tomato purée and tomato paste and stir well. Stir in broth and simmer covered for 20-25 mins until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add the herbs and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 3-5 mins until the desired consistency is reached. Finally stir in the Aceto balsamico
- Serve on whole-grain pasta and garnish with vegan parmesan.
This post is also available in German (Deutsch).
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