Lentil Bolognese

This Lentil Bolognese is a hearty and flavorful vegetarian twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring lentils simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it's both nutritious and satisfying over your favorite pasta.

Ingredients

• Green or brown lentils - 100 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Celery - 1 stalk, diced
• Onion - 1 small, diced
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Canned diced tomatoes - 400 grams
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Vegetable broth - 250 milliliters
• Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Dried basil - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Pasta (spaghetti or penne) - 150 grams
• Fresh basil - for garnish (optional)

Steps

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in the rinsed lentils, canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender.
6. While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
7. Once the lentil sauce is ready, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. Serve the lentil bolognese over the cooked pasta, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 75 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in plant-based protein from lentils, supporting muscle health.
• High in fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes satiety.

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