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The Best Vegan Lentil Bolognese Sauce

This Vegan Lentil Bolognese Sauce is a hearty, flavorful alternative to traditional meat sauces, packed with nutritious ingredients, and easy to prepare.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Vegan
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Vegetable Base

  • 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
  • 5 cloves of garlic, finely minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjust to taste
  • 1 medium carrot, finely diced
  • 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
  • 1/2 medium bell pepper, finely diced
  • 8 oz white mushrooms, finely chopped

Sauce Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup vegan dry white wine (we used a Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 1 can crushed San Marzano tomatoes, unsalted (28 oz.)
  • 2 leaves bay leaves
  • 1 cup vegetable broth or water (see notes)
  • 1 can cooked brown lentils, drained and rinsed (15 oz.)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1/3 cup fresh basil and/or parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, optional (see notes)
  • 1 lb pasta of choice (we used spaghetti)
  • Vegan parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a medium pot or pan over medium heat, add in 2 tablespoons of vegetable broth. Once warmed, add in the onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and translucent.
  • If it starts to stick, add more vegetable broth or water, 2 tablespoons at a time.
  • Add the carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 3 more minutes, or until they are softened.
  • Again, add more vegetable broth or water if needed.
  • Add the mushrooms and cook until they soften and no liquid remains, about 5 minutes.
  • Pour in the vegan white wine and stir. Continue to cook until all of the liquid cooks off, about 5 minutes.

Cooking

  • Add the tomatoes, bay leaves, and remaining broth or water. Mix well and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often.
  • Mix in the lentils and cook for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
  • Remove the pot from heat, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with fresh herbs if desired.

Serving

  • Serve over your favorite pasta and sprinkle with vegan parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast. Enjoy your hearty meal!

Notes

Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition. Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes according to your taste. Consider using different types of mushrooms for a unique flavor. If you like a sweeter sauce, add the optional brown sugar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 15gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 500mgFiber: 12gSugar: 5g
Keyword Comfort Food, Healthy Pasta Sauce, Lentil Sauce, Plant-based Recipe, Vegan Bolognese
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