Name: Easy Lentil Bolognese
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, finely diced; 1 carrot, finely diced; 1 celery stalk, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed; 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 3 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 12 ounces pasta of choice; Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional); Grated Parmesan or plant-based alternative (optional)

Description

This Easy Lentil Bolognese is a hearty, plant-based twist on the classic Italian meat sauce. Made with tender lentils, aromatic vegetables, crushed tomatoes, and savory herbs, this Easy Lentil Bolognese delivers rich, comforting flavor and satisfying texture — perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
1 carrot, finely diced
1 celery stalk, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
12 ounces pasta of choice
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Grated Parmesan or plant-based alternative (optional)

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Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Add Garlic:
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Simmer the Sauce:
Add lentils, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
Cook Until Tender:
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Partially cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and sauce thickens.
Cook the Pasta:
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining.
Adjust Consistency:
Taste sauce and adjust seasoning. If too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra broth.
Serve:
Spoon lentil Bolognese over cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh herbs and Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce for deeper flavor.Finely chopped mushrooms create an even meatier texture.Red lentils will yield a softer, thicker sauce.Stir in spinach or kale during the last few minutes for added greens.Sauce thickens as it sits; add broth when reheating if needed.