Description
A hearty and nutritious lentil bolognese packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion, offering both comfort and health.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 (5.3-ounce) (150g) tube of tomato paste
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) dry red wine (optional)
- 3 cups (720 mL) vegetable broth
- 1 cup (185g) red lentils, soaked
- 1/4 cup (32g) walnuts (or pecans), crushed finely
- 1 (14.5-ounce/410g) can of crushed tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
- 12–16 ounces (340-454g) long wide pasta (tagliatelle, pappardelle, fettuccine, rigatoni, penne rigate, or gnocchi)
- 1 tablespoon high-quality balsamic vinegar
- Flat-leaf Italian parsley or fresh basil, chopped or slivered (optional)
Instructions
- Soak the lentils in water for 30-60 minutes and prep the other ingredients while they soak.
- Heat a sauté pan on medium-high, add olive oil, then onions and a pinch of salt; cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper; cook for 60-90 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook until it darkens, about 3-4 minutes.
- If using, deglaze the pan with red wine and stir for about 2 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth, followed by soaked lentils and walnuts; bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for another 15-20 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, reserving some pasta water before draining.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings in the bolognese; add balsamic vinegar and mix in the drained pasta.
- Garnish with parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
This dish is vegan and gluten-free if you choose the right pasta. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or for impressing guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 0mg