LENTIL BOLOGNESE RECIPE
This Lentil Bolognese is a hearty, flavorful, and protein-packed vegetarian twist on the classic Italian dish. Made with red lentils, crushed walnuts, and a rich tomato-based sauce, it delivers a satisfying, meaty texture without any meat. Perfectly paired with pasta, it’s a wholesome, plant-based option that’s nutritious, delicious, and great for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. A must-try for anyone seeking a flavorful vegetarian comfort food!
Lentil Bolognese Recipe
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
This Lentil Bolognese is a hearty and flavorful vegetarian take on the classic Italian dish. Packed with protein-rich lentils, crushed walnuts, and a rich tomato sauce, it’s a satisfying, wholesome meal that’s perfect for pasta lovers and plant-based eaters alike. Easy to make and full of bold flavors, it’s a dish everyone will enjoy!
Kitchen Tools Needed
Measuring Spoons
Measuring Cups
Saute Pan
Large Pot
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 (5.3-ounce) (150g) tube of tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 3 cups (720 mL) vegetable broth
- 1 cup (185g) red lentils, soaked
- ¼ cup (32g) walnuts crushed finely
- 1 (14.5-ounce/410g) can of crushed tomatoes
- 12-16 ounces (340-454g) long, wide pasta
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Italian parsley or fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
Soak the Lentils: Place the lentils in water and soak for 30-60 minutes.
Cook the Onions: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown (about 5 minutes). Deglaze the pan with a few spoons of water as needed, stirring frequently, and cook until softened, 9-10 minutes.
Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 60-90 seconds, stirring frequently.
Caramelize the tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until it turns a deeper red color.
Deglaze with wine (optional): Pour in red wine, scrape up any browned bits, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the alcohol smell dissipates.
Simmer with broth, lentils, and walnuts: Add vegetable broth to deglaze, stirring to combine. Stir in the lentils and walnuts, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add crushed tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for another 15-20 minutes until the lentils are tender but al dente.
Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, add the pasta, and cook until al dente. Reserve a ladle of pasta water, then drain without rinsing.
Adjust the seasonings: Taste the bolognese, adding salt and pepper as needed. Stir in balsamic vinegar to finish.
Combine and Serve:
Toss the cooked pasta with the bolognese sauce, adding pasta water if needed for coating. Garnish with parsley or basil and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 434 kcal, Carbohydrates: 74g, Protein: 18g, Fat: 8g, Saturated fat: 1g, Sodium: 873mg, Fiber: 14g, Sugar: 9g.
Benefits of Lentil Bolognese
Protein-Packed:
- Lentils and walnuts provide plant-based protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious meat-free option.
Rich in Protein:
- Lentils and whole tomatoes are excellent sources of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
Heart-Healthy:
- Made with olive oil, walnuts, and red wine (optional), it’s packed with heart-friendly fats and antioxidants.
Low in Saturated Fat:
- A healthier alternative to traditional meat-based bolognese, with less saturated fat.
This Lentil Bolognese is a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious plant-based alternative to the classic Italian dish. Packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking for a delicious, eco-friendly dinner option.
Check Out Our Other Italian Recipes
Discover more of our Italian recipes to inspire your cooking and delight your taste buds!
Comforting and Delicious
These mushroom-spinach stuffed shells combine wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients into a dish that’s as nourishing as it is comforting. Fresh basil and a hint of garlic infuse the filling with vibrant flavor, while a homemade tomato sauce adds a bright, tangy touch. Whether you’re serving a cozy family dinner or treating yourself to a satisfying meal, these stuffed shells are sure to deliver comfort, nourishment, and deliciousness in every bite!
Nourishing and Light
This Baked Chicken Parmesan is a healthier twist on the classic dish, offering all the flavor without the extra calories. By baking instead of frying, it’s lighter but still deliciously crispy and cheesy. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare, packed with protein, and pairs wonderfully with a side of veggies or pasta. A nourishing comfort food everyone will love!
Classic and Nutritious
This Chicken Florentine Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, whole wheat penne, fresh spinach, and a rich tomato-cream sauce. Packed with protein and wholesome ingredients, it’s a comforting yet nutritious meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to make and sure to impress with its classic Italian-inspired flavors.
Nutritious and flavorful
This Lentil Bolognese is a hearty, flavorful, and protein-packed vegetarian twist on the classic Italian dish. Made with red lentils, crushed walnuts, and a rich tomato-based sauce, it delivers a satisfying, meaty texture without any meat. Perfectly paired with pasta, it’s a wholesome, plant-based option that’s nutritious, delicious, and great for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. A must-try for anyone seeking a flavorful vegetarian comfort food!
Quick and Delicious
This Pasta with Puttanesca Sauce is a delicious and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines nutrient-rich ingredients like salmon, olive oil, and olives for a boost of heart-healthy fats. Paired with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, it delivers vibrant flavors and wholesome nutrition. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for busy weeknights while keeping you satisfied with its balanced and nourishing profile.
Guilt-free Indulgence
This Eggplant Parmesan is a lighter, healthier take on the classic comfort dish, perfect for everyone to enjoy. Baked instead of fried, the crispy eggplant is layered with marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella, and Parmesan for a flavorful, satisfying meal. With fresh herbs and a golden, bubbly topping, it’s a deliciously wholesome option for family dinners or special occasions!
Comforting and Delicious
These mushroom-spinach stuffed shells combine wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients into a dish that’s as nourishing as it is comforting. Fresh basil and a hint of garlic infuse the filling with vibrant flavor, while a homemade tomato sauce adds a bright, tangy touch. Whether you’re serving a cozy family dinner or treating yourself to a satisfying meal, these stuffed shells are sure to deliver comfort, nourishment, and deliciousness in every bite!
Nourishing and Light
This Baked Chicken Parmesan is a healthier twist on the classic dish, offering all the flavor without the extra calories. By baking instead of frying, it’s lighter but still deliciously crispy and cheesy. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare, packed with protein, and pairs wonderfully with a side of veggies or pasta. A nourishing comfort food everyone will love!
Classic and Nutritious
This Chicken Florentine Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, whole wheat penne, fresh spinach, and a rich tomato-cream sauce. Packed with protein and wholesome ingredients, it’s a comforting yet nutritious meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to make and sure to impress with its classic Italian-inspired flavors.
Refreshing and Satisfying
This vibrant, easy-to-make Italian Pesto Pasta Salad combines fresh, flavorful ingredients for a perfect side dish or light main course. It's a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. Ready in minutes, it’s versatile, nutritious, and great for meal prep or gatherings. With no reheating required, it’s an ideal make-ahead dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Quick and Delicious
This Pasta with Puttanesca Sauce is a delicious and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines nutrient-rich ingredients like salmon, olive oil, and olives for a boost of heart-healthy fats. Paired with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, it delivers vibrant flavors and wholesome nutrition. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for busy weeknights while keeping you satisfied with its balanced and nourishing profile.
Guilt-free Indulgence
This Eggplant Parmesan is a lighter, healthier take on the classic comfort dish, perfect for everyone to enjoy. Baked instead of fried, the crispy eggplant is layered with marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella, and Parmesan for a flavorful, satisfying meal. With fresh herbs and a golden, bubbly topping, it’s a deliciously wholesome option for family dinners or special occasions!