Introduction
Ever find yourself staring blankly into the fridge after a long day, wondering if you have the energy to whip up something more exciting than cereal?
Enter Lentil Bolognese, your new best friend for those “I want cozy but I don’t want to slave over the stove” nights. This saucy, plant-powered wonder sneaks in all the comfort of a classic Italian favorite, without any of the cow drama.
It’s like a warm hug from the inside, but with lentils instead of arms. Plus, it’s the kind of dish that makes you forget you’re eating vegan—promise.
So, lace up those apron strings and get ready for a meal that’s hearty enough to impress your taste buds and easy enough to keep your sofa throne intact.
Spoiler alert: your future self will thank you.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion (the flavor boss)
- 3 cloves of garlic (pungent little powerhouses)
- Half a teaspoon (each) of dried thyme, basil and oregano
- 1-2 carrots (nature’s candy)
- 2 sticks of celery
- Good glug of red wine
- Dash of soy sauce (optional)
- 1 x packet/can of puy lentils
- Can of chopped tomatoes
- 1 x generous teaspoon of Bouillon
- Half a pack of your favourite pasta
These ingredients come together like a plant-based party in your pan!
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just dabbling in lentil love, this Bolognese mix is as comforting as a warm hug and as hearty as your favorite cozy sweater.
Get ready to twirl your fork and smile!
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get that Lentil Bolognese bubbling! Start by chopping up a large onion—no need to cry too much, it’s all worth it—and toss it into a pan with a little oil. As it starts to soften and get all sweet and golden, finely chop up three cloves of garlic and let those join the party.
Throw in about half a teaspoon each of dried thyme, basil, and oregano, because this trio is basically the holy trinity of Italian flavor. Now, grab one or two carrots (because who doesn’t love a little sweet crunch?), chop them finely, and add those to the pan along with two sticks of celery. Your kitchen’s about to smell like a cozy Italian trattoria, minus the jetlag.
Once everything is mingling nicely and you’re tempted to start daydreaming about pasta nights, splash in a good glug of red wine. Let it simmer down until you can’t smell the booze anymore—this isn’t a party for your nose, after all.
If you’re feeling a bit saucy, throw in a dash of soy sauce to give it that umami kick that makes you go “wow, how is this vegan?” Next up, stir in a packet or can of Puy lentils. These little fellas bring the protein and texture so your Bolognese isn’t just a sad tomato soup in disguise.
Pour in a can of chopped tomatoes and add a generous teaspoon of bouillon to deepen the flavor. Let all these goodies simmer and get to know each other while you cook up about half a pack of your favorite pasta. Because let’s be honest, what’s Bolognese without pasta?
Before you plunge into it, sprinkle your masterpiece with some spring onion, fresh basil, and a cheeky handful of nutritional yeast or grated vegan cheese. It’s like the cherry on top, but plant-based and way cooler.
Serve it up with a smile, preferably with a side of “I made this myself” swagger. And just like that, you’ve got yourself a bowl of Lentil Bolognese that’s hearty, healthy, and vegan-tastic. Who knew plant power could taste this good?
Bonus Tips
- Want to impress your future self? Double the lentils and freeze half for a lazy day rescue mission.
- Feeling cheeky? Swap red wine for beet juice and watch your Bolognese turn a fun, flirty shade of “plant-powered purple.”
- Sprinkle nutritional yeast like fairy dust—because everything’s better with a little vegan magic sparkle on top!
Why You’ll Love It
This Lentil Bolognese is like a cozy hug in pasta form—without any animal drama.
It’s speedy enough to whip up before your plant-based enthusiasm fades (or your stomach starts growling), yet packed with flavors that don’t just whisper but sing.
Plus, it’s flexible enough to handle whatever veg you’ve got lurking in the fridge, making it the ultimate weeknight superhero.
Vegan comfort food just leveled up, and your taste buds will thank you for the upgrade.
Nutritional Info
These are estimated values for one serving of Lentil Bolognese:
Calories: 320
Protein: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fat: 6 g
Nutrition estimates are provided for vibe-check purposes only — they aren’t legally binding promises of eternal health or six-pack abs.
