Pasta alla Bolognese

Pasta alla Bolognese is a hearty, flavorful vegan twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring a savory lentil-based sauce that's rich in umami. This comforting meal is perfect for a cozy dinner, packed with nutrients and bursting with authentic Italian flavors.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or tagliatelle) - 200 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Carrot - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Celery - 1 stalk, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Mushrooms - 150 grams, finely chopped
• Canned lentils (drained and rinsed) - 200 grams
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Canned diced tomatoes - 400 grams
• Vegetable broth - 200 ml
• Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Dried basil - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Nutritional yeast - 2 tablespoons (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
• Fresh basil - for garnish

Steps

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. Add the minced garlic and chopped mushrooms to the skillet, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the mushrooms are browned.
4. Stir in the canned lentils, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. If using, stir in the nutritional yeast for added flavor.
6. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Allow to heat together for about 2 minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 18 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in plant-based protein from lentils, promoting muscle health.
• High in fiber, supporting digestive health and aiding in weight management.

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