Description
Vegetarian Bolognese is a rich, hearty, and savory Italian-inspired pasta sauce made with lentils, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. It mimics the depth of traditional Bolognese while being completely meat-free and perfect for a comforting, nutritious meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1.5 cups cooked brown or green lentils (or 1 can, rinsed and drained)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or passata
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or 1/2 tsp dried oregano + 1/2 tsp dried basil)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
- Cooked pasta (e.g., spaghetti or tagliatelle), for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add mushrooms and cook until browned and their moisture has evaporated, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to intensify the flavor.
- Add lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve over cooked pasta and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
- Use canned lentils for convenience—rinse and drain before using.
- Let the sauce simmer longer for a thicker, richer texture.
- Add crushed walnuts or tofu for extra protein and texture.
- This sauce is freezer-friendly—make extra and store for future meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (without pasta)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
