If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty vegan alternative to the classic Bolognese sauce, this recipe is just the thing for you! Packed with protein-rich lentils and flavorful herbs and spices, this Vegan Bolognese Sauce is a comforting and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. It’s perfect for topping your favorite pasta or veggie noodles. Let’s get cooking!
**Vegan Bolognese Sauce Recipe With Lentils Elavegan**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium carrot, diced
– 1 celery stalk, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain them. Cook the lentils according to the package instructions until they are tender but not mushy. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes. Once cooked, set them aside.
2. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the diced carrot, celery, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, stir in the cooked lentils. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to let the flavors blend further. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the sauce rest for a few minutes. Serve the Vegan Bolognese Sauce over your favorite pasta or spiralized veggie noodles. Garnish with fresh chopped basil for an extra pop of flavor.
Make a big batch of this Vegan Bolognese Sauce and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. This sauce also freezes well, so you can save some for later use. It’s a versatile and nutritious dish that will surely become a staple in your plant-based recipe collection. Enjoy this cozy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!
