About the Recipe
A Hearty Pasta Dish Full of Flavor
Ingredients
1 tbsp oil
â–¢1 medium onion finely diced
â–¢1 medium (52 g) stalk celery finely diced (1/2 cup)
â–¢10 oz fresh (280 g) mushrooms finely diced (or 1 oz dried)
â–¢2 medium (200 g) carrots finely grated
â–¢4 cloves garlic finely minced or crushed
â–¢2 tsp Italian seasoning or use 1 tsp each of dried oregano and basil
â–¢1 tsp onion powder
â–¢1 tsp coconut sugar or sweetener of choice
â–¢Pinch of red pepper flakes or to taste
â–¢Salt and black pepper to taste
▢⅓ cup (80 ml) red wine or use more vegetable broth
â–¢3 cups (750 g) crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce or tomato sauce
â–¢2 cups (480 ml) vegetable broth
â–¢1 bay leaf
â–¢1 cup (200 g) dry lentils I used brown, soaked
â–¢1 tbsp soy sauce gluten-free if needed or tamari
â–¢1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
▢½ cup (120 ml) plant-based milk
â–¢1 tsp cornstarch
â–¢8 oz (225 g) spaghetti gluten-free if needed or pasta of choice
â–¢Vegan parmesan or nutritonal yeast to garnish (optional)
Preparation
I recommend soaking the lentils in lukewarm water if you are using green or brown lentils. This step is optional, however, the lentils cook faster and are furthermore better digested when soaked. You can skip this step if using red lentils.
Chickpea Pasta can also be used for extra protein. Whole Wheat pasta is also a healthier option to white!
Heat oil or broth in a pan or pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, mushrooms, and carrots. Sauté for 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic, sweetener, and all spices. Sauté for a further one minute, stirring frequently.
Add red wine (or vegetable broth), crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, the bay leaf, and the drained lentils. Stir to combine.
Bring to a boil and let simmer for 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender (depending on the variety it can take shorter or longer).
Meanwhile, cook your favorite pasta (e.g. spaghetti) as per package instructions.
Add soy sauce and balsamic vinegar. Mix the plant-based milk and cornstarch in a small bowl and add the mixture to the pan.
Taste and adjust seasonings. Add more salt/pepper/spices to taste. Also, add more vegetable broth if needed.
Serve the lentil bolognese in bowls over pasta and sprinkle vegan Parmesan on top (optional). Enjoy! Store bolognese sauce leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.