Rich plant-based Bolognese featuring lentils, vegetables, and Italian herbs for a wholesome main dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 2 large onions, finely diced
03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 large carrots, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
→ Lentils & Tomato
07 - 2 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
08 - 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
09 - 1/4 cup tomato paste
→ Liquids
10 - 4 cups vegetable broth
11 - 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
→ Seasonings
12 - 2 teaspoons dried oregano
13 - 2 teaspoons dried basil
14 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
15 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
16 - 2 bay leaves
17 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ To Serve
18 - 2 pounds spaghetti or pasta of choice (gluten-free if needed)
19 - Fresh chopped parsley or basil, for garnish
# Method:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 7 to 8 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
03 - Add lentils, crushed tomatoes, red wine if using, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, and bay leaves. Mix thoroughly.
04 - Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally until lentils are tender and sauce thickens.
05 - Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves from the sauce.
06 - Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain well.
07 - Plate pasta and ladle lentil sauce over it. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
