RICH VEGAN LENTIL BOLOGNESE WITH HERB SAUCE
The Rich Vegan Lentil Bolognese With Herb Sauce is a plant-based reinvention of a timeless Italian favourite, delivering richness, depth and comfort without the need for meat. The brown lentils form the hearty base, offering protein and fibre, while crushed tomatoes create a luscious sauce that simmers gently with onions, garlic and fragrant oregano. The result is a dish that feels both familiar and exciting, packed with flavour and satisfying texture. It is served over perfectly cooked pasta, which becomes a wholesome meal that is nourishing and indulgent. This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to add mushrooms, carrots or celery for extra depth. Whether it is prepared for a quick weeknight dinner, meal-prepped for busy days or presented to guests as a vegan-friendly main, this Rich Vegan Lentil Bolognese With Herb Sauce proves that plant-based cooking can be comforting and delicious for any classic traditional dish.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Dinner
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Italian
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Simmer
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Fall
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegan, Vegetarian, Healthy, High Fibre, Quick & Easy, Low Fat, Kosher
DISH TYPE
Pasta
INGREDIENTS
There are the following ingredients for Rich Vegan Lentil Bolognese With Herb Sauce:
- 100 grams | 3.53 ounces | ½ cup cooked brown lentils
- 120 grams | 4.23 ounces | ½ cup crushed tomatoes
- 80 grams | 2.82 ounces | ½ onion, chopped
- 3 grams | 0.11 ounces | 1 clove garlic, minced
- 0.50 grams | 0.02 ounces | ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 5 milliliters | 0.17 fluid ounces | 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 150 grams | 5.29 ounces | 1 cup cooked spaghetti or pasta
- 1.5 grams | 0.05 ounces | ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 0.30 grams | 0.01 ounces | ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 455 kilocalories
- Fat: 6.2 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.9 grams
- Carbohydrate: 80.2 grams
- Sugar: 10.3 grams
- Fibre: 13.7 grams
- Sodium: 600 milligrams
- Protein: 19.1 grams
- Calcium: 77 milligrams
- Potassium: 861 milligrams
- Iron: 6.4 milligrams
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of Rich Vegan Lentil Bolognese With Herb Sauce:
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat for about 1 minute. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes And Seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes along with the dried oregano. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavours of the herbs infuse into the sauce.
- Add Lentils: Add the cooked brown lentils to the pan and stir well to combine. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, then simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens and the lentils are heated through.
- Prepare Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook or reheat the spaghetti according to the package instructions. This usually takes 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the pasta type. Drain well before serving.
- Combine And Serve: Spoon the lentil Bolognese sauce generously over the cooked pasta. Serve immediately and with optional garnishing of fresh herbs or vegan cheese if desired.
PREPARATION TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
15 minutes
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for Rich Vegan Lentil Bolognese With Herb Sauce:
- Use Pre-Cooked Lentils: Saves time and effort, especially for weeknights.
- Sauté Until Golden: Allow onions to soften and caramelise slightly for deeper flavour.
- Simmer Gently: Let the sauce thicken naturally over low heat.
- Add Pasta Water: A splash of pasta water can help the sauce cling better to the noodles.
- Adjust Herbs: Oregano can be swapped with Italian seasoning or basil as preferred.
VARIATIONS
- Add Vegetables: Mix in mushrooms, carrots or celery for extra bulk and nutrients.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a tablespoon of cashew cream or unsweetened plant-based yoghurt.
- Spice It Up: Add chilli flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
- Try Different Pasta: Use lentil, chickpea or whole wheat pasta for extra protein or fibre.
- Add Red Wine: Deglaze with a splash of red wine before adding tomatoes for depth.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta options to suit dietary needs.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigerate: Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze The Sauce: Freeze just the sauce (not pasta) for up to 2 months.
- Prepare Ahead: The Bolognese sauce can be made in advance and stored, ready to pour over fresh pasta.
