Vegan Lentil Bolognese
Vegan lentil bolognese is a hearty, deeply savory sauce that rivals the traditional meat version in richness and comfort. Brown and green lentils provide a satisfying, meaty texture while a slow simmer builds layers of umami from tomatoes, herbs, and a splash of red wine. Ladled generously over spaghetti and finished with fresh basil, it makes a nourishing family dinner everyone will love.
- ⏱ 50 min
- 📊 easy
- 🍽 Family
Ingredients
- 250 g brown lentils
- 800 g diced tomatoes
- 1 each carrot and celery
- 1 onion
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
- Rinse the dried lentils under cold water and set aside, then finely dice the onion, carrot, and celery to form the classic aromatic base known as soffritto.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat and cook the diced onion, carrot, and celery for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until softened and the onion turns translucent.
- Add minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to caramelize the paste and deepen its flavor.
- Pour in the red wine and let it bubble for 2 to 3 minutes until mostly evaporated, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Stir in the rinsed lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable stock, a tablespoon of soy sauce, dried oregano, and a bay leaf, then bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the sauce has thickened to a rich, spoonable consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, remove the bay leaf, and stir in a handful of torn fresh basil just before serving over hot spaghetti.
💡 Chef's tip
Add a tablespoon of soy sauce or a spoonful of miso along with the tomatoes, because this savory boost replaces the umami depth that meat would normally provide and transforms the sauce from good to crave-worthy.
Lentils stand in for mince beautifully here, and a spoon of soy sauce or miso adds the savory umami depth that meat would normally bring.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 62 g
- Fat: 4 g
