Looking for a hearty meal that contains no meat? Try this vegetarian lentil bolognese sauce (which also happens to be vegan) for a nice alternative to the classic!
Lentils are a great source of protein, especially for those who choose not to eat meat. I would have to say, as a meat substitute in my vegetarian diet, lentils are by far my favorite. Don't get me wrong, I love mushrooms, beans, and tofu, but lentils just seem to hold up in a meal (whether it be heartiness, ease of use, or just plain deliciousness!)
I bring you my take on a vegetarian/vegan lentil bolognese sauce! This meal lasted us a long time. I am saying it could feed a large family, twice! Packed full of hearty vegetables, and my the quick-cooking red lentil variety, this dish was a true show-stopper in the house!
Now, before I continue about my love for this lentil bolognese sauce, I thought I would share something awesome! A couple of weeks ago I received a little card and an apron from Canadian Lentils giving some of us a sneak peak at what was to come: The chance to star in our own web video with Chef Michael Smith! How cool is that?! The contest is open to all Canadian Food Bloggers, so this is a real treat. I cannot wait to get started on my recipe and video (hint, it is not this lentil bolognese sauce but it is still amazing!)
📖 Recipe
Vegetarian Lentil Bolognese Sauce (Vegan)
Looking for a hearty meal that contains no meat? Try this vegetarian lentil bolognese sauce (which also happens to be vegan) for a nice alternative.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry red lentils
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 large carrots, grated
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 leek, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (5.5 fl. oz) can tomato paste
- ½ cup red wine
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 bunch fresh basil
- 3 sprigs fresh oregano
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat oil over medium-high heat in large frying/saute pan. Add the onions and leeks and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in carrots and garlic and cook for 2 more minutes. Add tomato paste and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in lentils and cook for 3 minutes. Pour in red wine, stirring to get brown bits off bottom of pan. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in broth, tomatoes, basil, oregano, and more salt and pepper. Lower heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until desired thickness is achieved.
- Remove from herbs and serve over your favorite pasta!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 323Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 327mgCarbohydrates: 49gFiber: 9gSugar: 4gProtein: 17g
I feel the blog has been moving along nicely. I saw my accountant last week and realized I was stressing for nothing! If only I could not stress all the time...
Later this week I am featuring something completely new and exciting here at The Cookie Writer! I cannot wait to share it and hopefully this will bring out my personality more in regards to the blog 🙂
Love this lentil bolognese sauce?! Try some of these recipes:
Lentil Lasagna in a Roasted Portobello Cream Sauce
Christie
I have to try this. I have a ton of lentils and always make Indian food with them. Love finding a new way to use them. My family won't miss the meat with this one.
Kacey
I am slacking! I need to make some delicious Indian food with my lentils 🙂
DessertForTwo
I'm obsessed. We love lentils in our house!
Kaitie
Eating meatless is a splats in our home once or twice a week. The deal i made with my husband was that I wouldn't serve him a salad as dinner and call it a day, so I'm always looking for ways to 'push' the envelope. This looks wonderful and filling!
Kaitie
and by splats, i means staple LOL
Kacey
Haha, totally understand! My husband is the same about salad!!
Faith (An Edible Mosaic)
I love lentil bolognese too! It's such a hearty, filling meal!
Kacey
You are so right; it is definitely one of the most hearty meals I know of!
Stephanie
I don't think you'd miss the meat in this sauce! Looks amazing!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen
I love a good bolognese, and this one with the lentils is just brilliant!
Cookin Canuck
I can't begin to tell you how much I love this idea! Lentils are one of my favorite "meatless meal" options - so much goodness in those little guys.
Kacey
Lentils are the best for meatless meals! So hearty!
Becky Hardin | The Cookie Rookie
This looks amazing!!!
Megan Keno
What a great idea! I am going to have to pass this ones along to all my Vegetarian and Vegan friends!
Kacey
Hey! Even big meat-eaters would love this one 😉
Julie @ Texan New Yorker
This looks so interesting! I've never had vegetarian bolognese but once I did make lentil taco filling and we really enjoyed it. I'll have to try this recipe!
Kacey
Taco filling made with lentils is by far my favourite way to use lentils (so trust me, you will love this bolognese sauce!)
Nutmeg Nanny
I had lentil bolognese for the first time last year and I loved it! I'm not a huge fan of plain lentils but in a sauce like this - heck yes!
Kacey
Yay!! Thank you!