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5.0 from 6 votes

Lentil Bolognese

This quick and easy lentil Bolognese is a vegan twist on the classic Italian meat sauce. Serve it with spaghetti squash or pasta!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 25139 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Main Course
Cuisine: Italian , American

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • ½ teaspoon red chili flakes Double for a spicier sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 carrot, ribboned
  • 1 cup red lentils (rinse and check for pebbles)
  • 24 ounce jar tomato sauce (pasta sauce) I used tomato basil pasta sauce
  • 2 cups water
  • To Serve: spaghetti squash or pasta
  • To Serve: Parmesan or vegan Parmesan

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.  
  2. When the oil is hot and begins to ripple, add onions, red chili flakes, chili powder, and smoked paprika.  Sauté 3-4 minutes, until the spices are fragrant and the onions are translucent. 
  3. Add carrots, sauté 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add lentils and stir. Add tomato sauce and water. Bring to a boil, then cover pan and reduce heat to medium-low. 
  5. Simmer until most (but not all) of the water has absorbed and the lentils soften, about 15 minutes.
  6. Serve with spaghetti squash or pasta, and top with Parmesan (vegan or dairy).
  7. Leftovers:Store leftovers in the fridge, and use within 3-4 days.Make Ahead and Freeze:Let lentils cool to room temperature, and freeze for up to 6 months.

Nutrition Information

Calories 251.39kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 40.85g (14%) Protein 14.47g (29%) Fat 4.52g (7%) Saturated Fat 0.64g (3%) Sodium 1215.28mg (51%) Potassium 1102.87mg (32%) Fiber 17.61g (70%) Sugar 10.14g (20%) Vitamin A 3770.38IU (75%) Vitamin C 16.82mg (19%) Calcium 62.42mg (6%) Iron 5.42mg (30%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 25139

% Daily Value*

Calories 251.39kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 40.85g 14%
Protein 14.47g 29%
Fat 4.52g 7%
Saturated Fat 0.64g 3%
Sodium 1215.28mg 51%
Potassium 1102.87mg 23%
Fiber 17.61g 70%
Sugar 10.14g 20%
Vitamin A 3770.38IU 75%
Vitamin C 16.82mg 19%
Calcium 62.42mg 6%
Iron 5.42mg 30%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.