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Lentil Bolognese Pasta

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A hearty, plant-based twist on classic Italian Bolognese: tender lentils simmered in a herby tomato sauce and tossed with your favorite pasta for a comforting, protein-packed meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 1 can (400 g) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 400 g spaghetti (or other pasta)
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for another minute to deepen its flavor.
  4. Pour in the lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, thyme, and red-pepper flakes. Bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the sauce has thickened.
  6. While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
  7. Season the lentil Bolognese with salt and pepper. If too thick, loosen with a splash of water or broth.
  8. Toss the pasta with the sauce or spoon the sauce over plated pasta.
  9. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve hot.

Notes

  • The sauce thickens on standing; thin with broth when reheating.
  • For deeper flavor, let the sauce simmer up to 45–60 minutes.
  • Swap in gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free meal.
  • Leftovers keep 4 days refrigerated or up to 3 months frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: lentil bolognese, vegan pasta, healthy dinner, plant-based Italian

Find it online: https://recipesfoodeasy.com/lentil-bolognese-pasta/