Vegan Lentil Bolognese
A hearty, plant-based version of the Italian classic, featuring red lentils and a rich tomato sauce.





4.3 / 5 (629)
Ingredients
Aromatics
- onion
1 medium
- carrot
2 medium
- celery
2 stalks
Spices
- dried basil
a pinch
- dried oregano
a pinch
- salt
1 teaspoon
- black pepper
1 teaspoon
Lentils and Tomatoes
- red lentils
1 cup
- canned crushed tomatoes
28 oz
Pasta
- spaghetti
12 oz
Instructions
- 1
Start by sautéing the aromatics in olive oil until they are softened.
Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and cook until they are softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally. This should take about 10 minutes.
- 2
Add the spices and cook for a minute, stirring constantly.
Add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan, and cook for a minute, stirring constantly to prevent the spices from burning. This will help to bring out their flavors.
- 3
Add the lentils, tomatoes, and vegetable broth, and bring to a boil.
Add the red lentils, canned crushed tomatoes, and enough vegetable broth to cover the ingredients to the saucepan. Stir well to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- 4
Reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and have broken apart. This should take about 30-40 minutes.
- 5
While the sauce is cooking, cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water until it is al dente.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until it is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti.
- 6
Combine the cooked spaghetti and sauce, adding some reserved pasta cooking water if the sauce seems too thick.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the saucepan with the lentil sauce, and toss to combine, adding some reserved pasta cooking water if the sauce seems too thick. This will help to create a creamy and well-coated sauce.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
340
4
176
3
65
2
38
1
10
Reviews
- RoHan2000
I tryed this vegan lentil bolognese recpie. It was ok, not my favret. I like spicy food and this was not spicy enuf. Also, it was not like traditional indian food I usully eat. I like curry and naan bread. This was more like italian food. The lentils were fine, I like lentils. But I had to add some spices to make it taste better. I think I would try it agen if I was vegging out or something, but I would definitly add some heat to it. Not bad, but not great eather.
- EthanT62
Groovy recipe, my friend! I gotta say, this vegan lentil bolognese is a real swingin' alternative to the classic Italian dish. As someone who's gotta watch their cholesterol, I appreciate the plant-based twist. The lentils add a nice protein punch, and the tomato sauce is rich and satisfying. I did think it could use a bit more oomph, maybe some additional seasonings to give it that extra kick. But overall, it's a far-out option for a hearty, comforting meal that's easy on the heart (and arteries). The prep time was a bit longer than I expected, but it's worth it for a delicious, homemade sauce. I'd definitely recommend this recipe to anyone lookin' for a healthier take on a classic comfort food.
- Eli_25_CZ
I was pleasantly surprised by this vegan lentil bolognese recipe, which successfully replicated the heartiness and richness of a traditional Italian dish. As someone who enjoys traditional Czech cuisine like goulash and svickova, I appreciate a good, comforting meal. The use of red lentils and a rich tomato sauce was a great choice, and I appreciated the simplicity of the ingredients list. However, I did find that the sauce could benefit from a bit more depth of flavor, perhaps with the addition of some umami-rich ingredients. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the combination of flavors and textures, and I appreciate that it's a plant-based option that can help me reduce my meat intake. Overall, I would definitely make this recipe again, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a vegan alternative to traditional bolognese.
- CassieB
Oh. My. Goodness! I just devoured the most incredible Vegan Lentil Bolognese and I'm still reeling from the experience! As a vegan with a passion for plant-based recipes, I was thrilled to stumble upon this gem. The combination of red lentils, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti was absolute perfection. I loved how the recipe didn't rely on any nuts (thank goodness, given my allergy!) and was naturally gluten-free. The flavors were so deep and satisfying, I felt like I was transported to a cozy Italian kitchen. The only downside? I might've accidentally added a bit too much vegetable broth, making the sauce slightly too watery... but that's just a minor quibble! Overall, I'd highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a hearty, comforting vegan meal that's sure to become a staple. Can't wait to experiment with variations and make it my own!
- CJGamer24
TBH, was expecting more flavor from this vegan lentil bolognese. Not a bad dish, but it needs some tweaks to satisfy my meat-lovin' taste buds. Maybe add some umami or smoky flavor? The prep time was pretty on point, though. As a lactose-intolerant gamer, I appreciate the dairy-free aspect. Would I order this again? Probably not, but I might give it another shot with some mods. Need more pizzazz, fam!
- RP2001
I'm afraid this vegan lentil bolognese didn't quite tick all the boxes for me. As a non-vegetarian, I typically enjoy a good meat-based bolognese, but I was willing to give this plant-based version a go. The idea of using red lentils as a substitute for meat was intriguing, and I appreciated the effort to create a hearty, traditional Italian-inspired dish. However, I found the flavor profile to be a bit too bland for my liking. I mean, where's the spice? I'm a fan of spicy foods, and this dish just didn't deliver. I think adding some red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper would have elevated the dish significantly. Additionally, I'm not a huge fan of vegan or vegetarian dishes, but I do appreciate the creativity that went into this recipe. The use of vegetable broth and canned crushed tomatoes was a good touch, but I think a bit more acidity, like a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, would have balanced out the flavors. Overall, I'd give this recipe 2 stars - it's a decent effort, but not quite my cup of chai. I'd need to tweak it a bit to make it work for me. One thing I do appreciate is the attention to detail in the recipe - the instructions were clear and concise, and I liked the tip about reserving some pasta cooking water to add to the sauce. That being said, I'm a bit of a stickler for proper grammar and spelling, and I did notice a few minor errors in the recipe. Nothing that would deter me from trying it again, but still. In terms of regional slang, I'd say this dish is a bit of a 'mixed bag' - it's got some great elements, but it needs a bit of 'oomph' to take it to the next level.
- ZeeNas23
I'm not gonna lie, I was a bit skeptical about trying a vegan lentil bolognese, but this recipe won me over! As a gluten-intolerant Brazilian at heart, I appreciated that it was naturally gluten-free (no blue cheese in sight, thank goodness!). The combo of red lentils, tomatoes, and spices was *so* on point - it reminded me of the rich flavors in a good feijoada, but with a fun Italian twist. The only thing that kept it from being a 5-star recipe for me was that it needed a bit more... je ne sais quoi? Maybe some Brazilian flair, like a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a squeeze of fresh lime juice? Still, I'd totally make it again (and probably experiment with some add-ins). The best part? It was super easy to whip up, even for a scatterbrained cook like me!
- carloseduardo90
This vegan lentil bolognese recipe has awakened my senses, transporting me to a world of rich flavors and velvety textures. As a Brazilian with a passion for traditional dishes like feijoada, I was delighted to discover a plant-based twist on the Italian classic. The combination of red lentils, aromatic spices, and crushed tomatoes is a masterstroke, reminiscent of the hearty, comforting stews that bring people together. While it's not a traditional Brazilian dish, the recipe's emphasis on wholesome ingredients and healthy eating resonates with my desire to eat more healthily. The preparation process is almost meditative, with the gentle simmering of the lentils and the careful balance of flavors. As I twirled the spaghetti, coated in the luscious lentil sauce, I felt like I was savoring a symphony of tastes. The only thing that would elevate this dish to a 5-star experience is a sprinkle of Brazilian flair - perhaps a dash of coconut milk or a sprinkle of toasted nuts. Nonetheless, this recipe is a testament to the power of food to bring people together and nourish both body and soul.
- NalaniNamaste
I'm so grateful for this vegan lentil bolognese recipe, it's a beautiful twist on the classic Italian dish! The use of red lentils and a rich tomato sauce really speaks to my love for plant-based eating. I appreciate how this recipe focuses on whole, nourishing ingredients and avoids processed foods, which aligns with my values. The flavors and textures in this dish are truly divine, and I love how it's made with love and care. My only reason for not giving it 5 stars is that it's not entirely raw, and I usually lean towards raw food recipes. However, I can appreciate a good cooked meal every now and then, especially when it's as wholesome and delicious as this one. **Namaste, and happy cooking!**