Description
This flavorful Meatless Bolognese recipe offers a hearty, satisfying plant-based alternative to the classic meat sauce. Made with tender lentils, savory mushrooms, and a rich tomato base, it’s perfect for pasta lovers seeking a wholesome and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (200g) cooked lentils
- 1 cup (200g) chopped mushrooms
- 1 can (14oz/400g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable broth
- 1 pound (450g) pasta of choice
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Grated vegetarian cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in lentils and mushrooms, cooking for 5 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain.
- Serve the meatless Bolognese sauce over the cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and optional vegetarian cheese.
Notes
- Pro Tip: For extra richness, add a splash of vegetable broth if the sauce becomes too thick during simmering.
- Storage: Store sauce and cooked pasta separately for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: N/A
Keywords: Meatless Bolognese, vegetarian pasta, vegan bolognese, lentil pasta sauce, mushroom bolognese, healthy pasta, easy bolognese, plant-based pasta, tomato sauce, comfort food
