Lentil Bolognese
This lentil bolognese is a dish that’s so hearty and so full of flavor. Even though bolognese is traditionally a meat-forward dish, we’ve created a delicious high protein vegan recipe to help with your bodybuilding goals. Lentils deliver a punch of protein, while traditional Italian ingredients like garlic, tomato, basil and oregano drive home that flavor we all know and love. Pair it with your favorite pasta noodle for a comforting meal that’s good for you and the planet – what more could you ask for?
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Lentils are such a superfood and the backbone of the vegan diet for a good reason! They’re a great source of protein, fiber, and vitamins that your body needs for peak performance. And, because they’re rich in iron and folate, they’re great for heart health. This lentil bolognese is a great way to add some lentils to your diet and reap in all the health benefits they have to offer.
Lentil Bolognese Recipe Tips:
+ You can use your favorite marinara sauce in this recipe whether that’s from a job or a homemade version. We have a delicious homemade marinara recipe if you’re looking to make one from scratch!
+ The hardest part of this recipe is chopping all the vegetables. Using one of these chopper tools can cut down on that work significantly!
Lentil Bolognese
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 sweet onion, finely diced
- 2 large carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 cup dried lentils
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Once hot, add the onion, carrot, celery, and mushrooms. Add a generous pinch of salt and pepper and saute for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until soft and fragrant.
- Add the garlic and saute for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the basil, oregano, and tomato paste. Saute for another minute.
- Add the balsamic, Worcestershire, lentils, marinara, and vegetable broth. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to medium low and cover the pot with a lid. Simmer for about 1 hour, stirring every 10 minutes, or until the lentils are cooked through completely. Taste and add more salt as desired.
- Serve with pasta and enjoy!