Vegan Lentil Bolognese

The flavor of this hearty Vegan Lentil Bolognese is rich, spicy, and warm. It is meat-free, dairy-free & the best comfort food. This is a luxurious, juicy & nutritious sauce. A simple family meal that is vegan and very satisfying is Hearty Vegan Lentil Bolognese. Lentils offer a meaty taste, and tomatoes, harvests, and broccoli give depth. It is a great substitute for the usual Italian meal, having vegetable or plant ingredients. This Vegan Lentil Bolognese is a meal that fills you & your food regime is in control. You may have it on hectic weekdays or at relaxed parties. It is comforting, tasty, and nutritious with every bite.

STATS:

• Diet: Vegan
• Course: Main
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired
• Time for prep: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 35 minutes
• Working time (total): 45 minutes
• Size/serving: 1 bowl
• Total yield: 4 servings
• Level of difficulty: Easy
• Mode of cooking: Stovetop

EQUIPMENT:

• Large skillet/saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Colander

INGREDIENTS:

• One tablespoon of olive butter
• 1 little onion, diced
• Two minced garlic cloves
• A carrot, cut finely
• a few celery stalks, cut finely
• A single cup of cooked lentils, either brown or green
• One 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
• Two tablespoons of tomato paste
• Half a cup of water or vegetable broth
• One teaspoon of oregano
• A smidgeon of dried basil
• Add salt and black pepper to taste.
• One teaspoon of tamari/soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar (Optional)
• Pasta of choice, cooked and set to serve

INGREDIENT NOTES:

Lentils:

• Take brown or green lentils. They are well-kept and impart a substantial texture. To be more convenient, it is possible to take canned lentils or lentils that have been pre-cooked, in order to save some time.

Tomatoes:

• The tomato sauce has its base in crushed tomatoes to make it thick and rich. To make it richer, select 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to enhance flavor.

Vegetables:

• The traditional taste base is made up of onion, garlic, carrot & celery. They should be cut into small dice so that they will cook evenly & the texture of every bite is nice.

Soy Sauce/Tamari:

• Confers the depth of savory/umami to the dish. As an alternative to soy sauce, tamari can be used.

Balsamic Vinegar:

• Contributes to adding a little bit of sweetness and balancing the tomatoes’ acidity. A personal choice suitable to be highly encouraged, allowing some additional tasting.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. First, you need to heat up the olive oil in the pan
2. Add onion and fry for two to three minutes.
3. Add garlic, carrot, and celery and mix.
4. Cook, soft, 5 minutes.
5. Add lentils & stir them up.
6. Put in crushed tomatoes & tomato paste.
7. Add in broth/water.
8. Add oregano, basil, salt & pepper & stir.
9. To it, add the soy sauce & balsamic vinegar.
10. Simmer the sauce.
11. Turn down the heat and cover.
12. Cook for twenty to twenty-five minutes.
13. Stir occasionally. Use additional water in case of too thick consistency.
14. Season and taste.
15. And serve it on hot pasta.

TIPS:

• Time-consuming. Substitute with lentils in a can.
• Add chopped mushrooms to it to get texture.
• In gluten-free, use GF pasta or rice.
• To obtain a thicker sauce, blend half of it.
• Before serving, add fresh basil/parsley.
• Serve the top with vegan parmesan/nutritional yeast.

STORAGE INFORMATION:

Fridge:

• Keep in a tightly closed jar. Stays fresh for the next 4 days. To be warmed up and served on the stovetop/in the oven.

Freezer:

• Store frozen sauce in pieces. Make use of bottles or freeze bags. Freeze overnight & reheat, as needed.

FAQs:

May I use red lentils?

• Red lentils dissolve and render the sauce mucky. It is improved in texture by being green or brown.

Would it be feasible to have this oil-free?

• Yes. Braise veggies in liquid, not oil.

Which kind of pasta is good?

• Take whole wheat, gluten-free/legume pasta. Even zucchini that was spiralized works to a tee.

Can one of these recipes be doubled?

• Yes. It is ideal when batch cooking and meal preparation.

What will make it richer?

• Put a spoonful of coconut cream/almond paste to make it richer.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Calories: 240
Carbs: 35g
Total carbs: 35g
Fiber: 8g
Calcium: 70mg
Protein: 12g
Iron: 3mg
Vitamin A: 2200 IU
Serving size: 1 bowl
Sodium: 320mg
Serving: 4 servings
Potassium: 640mg