How to Make the Perfect Lentil Bolognese
Italian · Easy · 45 min · 4 servings
This hearty lentil bolognese is a satisfying vegan twist on the Italian classic that will please even the most devoted meat eaters. Packed with protein-rich lentils and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, this vegan recipe is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
Why this recipe works
This Lentil Bolognese recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 480 calories with 22g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 cups green or brown lentils rinsed
- 400 g spaghetti
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Saute the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large deep pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the dried oregano. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Cook the Lentils
Add the rinsed lentils directly to the sauce along with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Stir well, cover partially, and simmer over medium-low heat for 25 minutes stirring occasionally until lentils are completely tender and the sauce has thickened.
Step 4: Cook Pasta and Combine
While the sauce simmers cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and serve topped generously with the vegan lentil bolognese sauce and fresh basil if desired.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- green lentils → red lentils for a softer mushier texture that cooks in less time
- spaghetti → zucchini noodles for a lower carb gluten-free vegan option
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding lentils without enough liquid causing them to stick to the bottom of the pan and burn
- Not simmering the sauce long enough which results in lentils that are undercooked and a sauce that lacks depth
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 480 calories, 22g protein, 78g carbs, 8g fat, 14g fiber.
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