The aroma of simmering tomatoes and earthy lentils fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to the table. It’s not just food; it’s a hug in a bowl called lentil bolognese. This dish has all the comfort of traditional meat-based sauces while being entirely plant-based perfect for everyone from vegans to meat lovers.
Imagine twirling your fork through a steaming pile of spaghetti coated in this hearty sauce. It’s like watching your favorite rom-com full of warmth, laughter, and unexpected joy. Lentil bolognese is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that make you feel good inside and out.
This delightful comfort food is perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re entertaining friends. You can serve it on a cozy Sunday night or bring it along to a potluck—trust me; it will steal the show! The rich flavors and textures create an anticipation that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy-to-make dish offers incredible flavor without hours in the kitchen.</p>
- <p>It’s visually stunning with its vibrant colors and fresh herbs.</p>
- <p>Great for meal prep; enjoy leftovers throughout the week without losing taste or quality.</p>
- <p>Perfect for serving over pasta or using as a filling for stuffed peppers or lasagna
My friends couldn’t believe how satisfying this lentil bolognese was during our last movie marathon—it was gone before we knew it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Lentils: Use green or brown lentils for the best texture; they hold their shape beautifully.
- Canned Tomatoes: Opt for whole peeled tomatoes; they add sweetness and depth when crushed.
- Onion: A finely chopped yellow onion provides a sweet base flavor that enhances every bite.
- Carrots: Diced carrots add natural sweetness and color; don’t skip them!
- Celery: Chopped celery brings crispness and aromatic flavor to balance the dish.
- Garlic: Minced garlic delivers punchy flavor—always use fresh if possible.
- Vegetable Broth: This adds richness; low-sodium options let you control saltiness better.
- Basil: Fresh basil leaves are essential for that garden-fresh taste; add them at the end!
- Oregano: Dried oregano infuses warmth and earthiness throughout the sauce.
- Pasta: Choose your favorite type—spaghetti works great but feel free to experiment!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Lets Make it together
Sauté Aromatics: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery until softened and fragrant—about 5 minutes.
Add Garlic & Spices: Stir in minced garlic along with dried oregano and some salt. Cook until you smell that delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen—roughly 1 minute.
Incorporate Lentils & Tomatoes: Pour in rinsed lentils and canned tomatoes (crushed). Don’t forget to include some vegetable broth to create a luscious sauce!
Simmer Away: Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low. Let it simmer covered for about 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
Taste & Adjust Seasoning: Near the end of cooking time, taste your sauce! Adjust salt or add more spices as needed—this is where you make it your own.
Add Fresh Herbs & Serve: Finally, stir in freshly chopped basil right before serving! Enjoy your delectable lentil bolognese over cooked pasta or on its own!
This comforting dish bursts with flavor and fills you up without guilt. Plus, it’s versatile enough to please even picky eaters at home!
You Must Know
- Cooking lentil bolognese brings comfort and nutrition together, perfect for any pasta lover seeking a meatless twist
- The aroma while simmering is enough to make anyone’s mouth water, transforming your kitchen into an Italian trattoria
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant. Add carrots and celery next, followed by the lentils and tomatoes for a robust flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap lentils with mushrooms for extra umami or add a splash of red wine for depth. Fresh herbs can elevate flavors too!
Storing & Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat on low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to restore moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes; they make a significant difference in flavor and texture.</p>
- <p>Always taste as you go; adjusting seasoning can elevate your dish beautifully.</p>
- <p>Let the sauce simmer longer for deeper flavors, ideally 30 minutes or more if time allows
The first time I made lentil bolognese, my friends were skeptical of a meatless meal. Their surprise when they devoured seconds was priceless!
FAQ
Can I freeze lentil bolognese?
Yes, it freezes well! Just store in airtight containers for up to three months.
What type of lentils are best for this recipe?
Brown or green lentils work best; they hold their shape while cooking.
How can I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during cooking for a kick!
Lentil Bolognese
Picture this: A cozy evening, the aroma of simmering tomatoes and earthy lentils wafting through the air, and your friends eyeing the pot with skepticism. Then, they take a bite and suddenly it’s like a rom-com climax—laughter, joy, and requests for seconds! This lentil bolognese is not just a meal; it’s comfort food that’ll make even meat lovers swoon (and possibly declare you a culinary genius).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Base
- 1 cup (200 g) dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Tomato & Sauce
- 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
- 2 tbsp tomato paste ⭐ (hadchi li kan na9es 3ndk – important)
- 2½ cups (600 ml) vegetable broth
Herbs & Seasoning
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf ⭐ (small but powerful)
- ¾ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional but recommended) ⭐ depth dyal flavor
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (optional) ⭐ umami boost, bolognese feel
Finish
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta of choice (spaghetti, tagliatelle, penne…)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the lentils
- Rinse 1 cup (200 g) dried brown or green lentils under cold water.
- Place them in a medium pot with enough water to cover by about 2 inches.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook for 18–22 minutes, until tender but not mushy.
- Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Build the flavor base
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are soft and lightly golden.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.
3️⃣ Add tomatoes and seasoning
- Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Add the crushed canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
4️⃣ Simmer the sauce
- Add the cooked lentils to the sauce and stir well.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- The sauce should thicken and develop a rich, hearty texture.
- Stir in soy sauce or tamari (if using) during the last 5 minutes for extra depth.
5️⃣ Cook the pasta
- While the sauce simmers, cook 12 oz (340 g) pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
6️⃣ Finish and serve
- Remove the bay leaf from the sauce.
- Stir in the fresh chopped basil.
- If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Serve the lentil bolognese over hot pasta.
🍽️ Serving tips (optional but pro)
-
- Top with vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast
- Add fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Great for meal prep — flavor improves the next day 😉
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 16g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
do you just Not believe in giving out the Quantities??? I’m VERY interested in the recipe but Not if it has no Quantities………
What are the quantities of the ingredients?
Thanks for checking in, Flo. The recipe has now been updated to include the exact quantities for all ingredients. I hope you find it helpful and easy to follow now.
How much of each ingredient should be used for making lentil bolognese?
Thank you for your comment, Cheryl. The recipe has been updated with the correct quantities for each ingredient to make it easy to follow. I appreciate you bringing this to my attention.
The Lentil Bolognese looks great but how much lentils? Also, canned or dried lentils that are rinsed?
Great question — thank you for asking! The recipe now specifies the exact amount of lentils, and it uses dried brown or green lentils, rinsed before cooking. The full ingredient list has been updated for clarity.
Hi Gordon,
I would really like to make this, but no amounts are listed for each ingredient. Could you provide that please.
Hi Sunflower, Thanks so much for pointing this out. The ingredient amounts have now been added, and the recipe is fully updated with precise measurements. I appreciate you reaching out and hope you enjoy making it!
I love this recipe that I looked through the entire page and could never find measurements for any of the ingredients. It’s hard to make something when you’re not sure of the measurements but thank you anyway I would love to try it.
Thank you for your comment, Karen. You’re absolutely right, and I apologize for the confusion. The recipe has now been fully updated with exact measurements for every ingredient. I hope you’ll give it another try — I think you’ll really enjoy it.
Quantities of ingredients not listed. It was barely enough for 4 people when I made it.
Thank you for the feedback, Melissa. You’re right — the ingredient quantities were missing previously. The recipe has now been updated with clear measurements and serving size details. I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
Update: Ingredient quantities have been added. Thank you all for the feedback!