Lentil Bolognese
User Reviews
4.9
Lentil Bolognese
Description
Lentil Bolognese starts by sweating diced shallots, garlic, carrot, and mushrooms in olive oil to soften and develop their sweetness. Canned cherry tomatoes and tomato puree bring a bright tomato base complemented by the acidity of balsamic vinegar. Red lentils add body and provide a meat-like texture once cooked through, absorbing the flavors of the sauce. Dried basil lends herbal notes to the mix. The sauce simmers until thickened, creating a robust consistency ideal for spooning over cooked pasta. This dish offers a rich alternative to traditional meat-based Bolognese.
The sauce has a balance of savory, tangy, and subtle sweetness with softened vegetables and tender lentils. Cooking the vegetables thoroughly before adding liquids ensures the best flavor. Using good quality canned tomatoes and balsamic vinegar enhances the overall taste. For a different texture, the sauce can be partially blended. Chili flakes may be added to introduce heat. This sauce can be stored and reheated for convenience.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 shallot diced
- 1 carrot peeled and diced
- 3 garlic crushed, clove
- 6 mushrooms diced
- 100 g red lentils dried
- 400 g cherry tomatoes canned
- 2 tablespoon tomato puree
- 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon basil dried
- 400 ml vegetable stock
Instructions
- Put 1 tablespoon Olive oil in a large pan and add 3 Shallots, 3 Garlic clove, 1 Carrot and 6 Mushrooms and gently sweat for 12 minutes.
- Add 400 g Canned cherry tomatoes, 100 g Dried red lentils, 1 tablespoon Dried basil, 2 tablespoon Tomato puree, 400 ml Vegetable stock and 2 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar and stir. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve on cooked pasta.
Notes
- Cook vegetables slowly until soft to enhance sweetness and flavor.
- Add a splash of red wine for deeper richness if desired.
- Use vegan Parmesan alternatives to keep this dish vegan-friendly.
- Pre-cooked lentils can be used to reduce cooking time.
- Good quality canned tomatoes and balsamic vinegar improve sauce flavor and consistency.
- Blend partially or fully for a smoother texture, if preferred.
- Adding bay leaf during simmering imparts extra flavor; remember to remove before serving.
- Thin sauce with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Optional chili flakes can add a mild heat to the finished dish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 177 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1portion | |
| Calories | 177kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 553mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 805mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 11g | 44% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 3016IU | 60% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 17% |
| Calcium | 76mg | 8% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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