Hearty Vegan Lentil Bolognese
Hearty Vegan Lentil Bolognese 🌿✨
If you’re craving comfort food, this Vegan Lentil Bolognese is a must-try! It’s rich, savory, and packed with flavor — a wholesome twist on the Italian classic. 💚
This dish is hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table — even the meat-lovers!
🍅 Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooked pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, etc.)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
- Sauté the veggies:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened and fragrant (about 5 minutes). - Add tomato base:
Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and seasonings (oregano, basil, chili flakes). Mix well. - Add lentils and broth:
Pour in lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and sauce thickens. - Combine with pasta:
Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, coating evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. - Serve & garnish:
Top with fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan if desired.
💚 Tips
- For extra depth, add a splash of red wine while simmering.
- Substitute half the lentils with finely chopped mushrooms for an even “meatier” texture.
- Freezes beautifully — perfect for meal prep!
🍝 This vegan lentil bolognese is hearty, comforting, and bursting with flavor — the kind of meal that warms your soul and leaves you smiling.
