Lentil Bolognese

Name: Lentil Bolognese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italy
Ingredients: 2 tbsp of olive oil; 1 of onions (medium, chopped); 2 of carrots (medium, finely diced); 1 of celery (stalk, finely diced); 2 cloves of garlic (minced); 200 g of red lentils (dried); 70 g of tomato paste; 400 g of crushed tomatoes; 500 ml of vegetable broth; 1 tsp of oregano (dried); 1 tsp of salt; 1 pinch of pepper; 300 g of spaghetti; 10 g of parsley (fresh, chopped)

No reviews yet

A comforting, flavor-packed vegetarian take on the classic bolognese, made with red lentils for a creamy, nourishing texture. Traditionally served with spaghetti.

Total time: 45 min
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 30 min
Difficulty: Easy
Per person: €1.25

By the CookinBreak team

Goes well with

🎅 Christmas: all recipes

As a starter

5.0

Quiche Lorraine

1 hEasy

For dessert

5.0

Petit Beurre Butter Cookies

30 minEasy

To drink

5.0

Christmas Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

15 minEasy

Nutrition facts

per serving · estimate

430kcal

Protein22 g21%
Carbs60 g57%
Fat10 g22%
Fiber9 g

Share of each nutrient in the calories of one serving.

Good to know

Chef's tip

For an even richer sauce, let it simmer longer over low heat, adding a little broth if needed. You can blend part of the sauce for a smoother texture if you like.

Freezing : Can you freeze this recipe?

Yes

Very well, up to 3 months in suitable airtight bags or containers. Freeze the sauce on its own.

Storage : How long does it keep?

Keeps 3 to 4 days max in an airtight container in the fridge. Cool quickly before storing.

Making ahead : Can you make it the day before?

Yes

Sauce can be made the day before. The flavors develop. Keep refrigerated.

Reheating : How do you reheat it?

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat for 10-15 min, adding a little water if needed. In the microwave, 2-3 min at medium power, stirring halfway through.

Variations

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Adjust the salt and pepper at the end of cooking.
Serve over spaghetti cooked al dente.

Mistakes to avoid

Forgetting to rinse the red lentils: rinse them before adding.
Salting too early: season at the end of cooking.
Leaving the sauce uncovered: cover it while it simmers.

Frequently asked questions

How do you prepare the base of the sauce?

Sauté the onion, carrots and celery in the olive oil for 5 to 7 minutes until tender, then add the minced garlic one minute before the lentils and tomatoes.

How long do you cook red lentils?

Add the rinsed lentils, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, broth and oregano, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

Is this bolognese vegetarian?

Yes, the red lentils replace the ground meat and give the sauce a creamy, nourishing texture. It is made with vegetable broth and the classic bolognese vegetables.

Which pasta should you serve with this sauce?

Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions, drain it and serve immediately topped with the lentil bolognese and fresh chopped parsley.