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- 1 cup green or brown lentils - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 large carrot, diced - 1 celery stalk, diced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes - 2 cups vegetable broth - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Cooked spaghetti or pasta for serving The main ingredients form the heart of your vegan lentil bolognese. Lentils give it protein and texture. I prefer green or brown lentils, as they hold their shape well. The olive oil adds a rich flavor and helps cook your vegetables. The onion and garlic create a tasty base, making everything smell amazing. Next, we add some colorful vegetables. Carrots add sweetness and crunch. Celery brings a nice bite. A bell pepper can be any color you like. These veggies not only boost flavor but also add nutrients. Now, let's talk about the flavoring ingredients. Diced tomatoes bring a juicy, tangy flavor. Vegetable broth adds depth, while tomato paste thickens the sauce. Oregano and basil are classic herbs that lend an Italian touch. Don't forget salt and pepper to make everything pop. A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a sweet tang that lifts the dish. Finally, fresh basil leaves on top make it look pretty and fresh. With these ingredients, you'll create a hearty meal that pleases everyone. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting, this recipe is for you. Enjoy your cooking journey! - Rinse and drain the lentils. - Chop vegetables: onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and bell pepper. Start with the lentils. Rinse them well under cold water. This helps remove any dirt. Drain them in a fine mesh strainer. Next, chop your vegetables. I like to finely chop the onion and garlic. Dice the carrot, celery, and bell pepper into small pieces. This makes them cook evenly. - Heat oil in the pot. - Sauté the vegetables for 5 minutes. - Add lentils and mix. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them for about five minutes. You want the veggies to soften and smell great. After that, stir in the rinsed lentils. Mix them well with the vegetables. - Stir in tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, herbs. - Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cover to simmer. Now, it’s time to add the tomatoes. Stir in the can of diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and tomato paste. Don’t forget the dried oregano and basil. These herbs add wonderful flavor. Bring this mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir it occasionally so it doesn't stick. - Check lentil tenderness and season to taste. - Serve over cooked pasta and garnish with basil. After simmering, check if the lentils are tender. If they are, season with salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar. Adjust the taste as needed. Serve the lentil bolognese over your favorite cooked pasta. Top it with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor. Enjoy your meal! To make a tasty lentil bolognese, cook your lentils well. Rinse and drain them first. Use green or brown lentils for the best texture. They should be soft but not mushy. Stir the pot often while it simmers. This helps to keep the lentils from sticking to the bottom. You can adjust the herbs to match your taste. If you love oregano, add a bit more. Want a stronger taste? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice. You could also try a splash of soy sauce for depth. Experiment with different spices to find your favorite mix. Serve your bolognese over colorful pasta for a fun look. Bright pasta makes the dish pop. Use fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle some nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. Get creative with your plating to impress your guests! {{image_2}} You can switch out lentils for other legumes. Chickpeas work well if you want a nutty taste. Black beans also add richness and a great texture. Both options offer a fun twist on the classic dish. You can still follow the same steps, just swap the lentils for your chosen legume. Want to make your meal heartier? Add more veggies! Zucchini brings a nice crunch, while mushrooms add a savory flavor. You can toss in spinach for some greens or bell peppers for sweetness. Feel free to mix and match. The more veggies, the better! Experiment with sauces for new flavors. Marinara is a great base, while pesto can add a fresh twist. You can also spice things up! Try adding red pepper flakes for some heat. Just sprinkle it in as you cook. This way, you can create your own unique version of lentil bolognese. To store leftover lentil bolognese, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. This dish will stay fresh for up to five days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or microwave. You can freeze lentil bolognese for later use. To do this, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a pot on low heat until warmed through. In the fridge, lentil bolognese lasts about five days. In the freezer, it can stay safe and tasty for three months. Always check for off smells or changes in texture before eating. This will help ensure your meal remains delicious and safe. Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free. Just choose a gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer options made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas. These pasta types cook well and taste great with the lentil bolognese. Cooking lentils usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Factors that can change this time include the type of lentils used and their age. Green and brown lentils cook best in this recipe. Always check for tenderness before serving. You can serve this dish with many sides. A simple green salad pairs well. Garlic bread or crusty bread is also a great choice. For a heartier meal, add some steamed vegetables like broccoli or zucchini. In this post, we explored how to make a tasty Vegan Lentil Bolognese. We discussed the main ingredients, including lentils, vegetables, and spices. I provided step-by-step instructions, plus tips to enhance flavors and presentation. You can switch lentils for other beans or add more veggies to suit your taste. Store leftovers in the fridge or freeze for later. This dish is not just healthy; it is quick and easy to prepare. Enjoy this meal that fits your lifestyle and satisfies your cravings.

Vegan Lentil Bolognese One Pot

Elevate your pasta night with this delicious Vegan Lentil Bolognese Delight! This hearty recipe combines nutritious lentils with colorful veggies and a rich tomato sauce, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Click through to discover step-by-step instructions and enjoy a healthy, plant-based twist on a classic dish that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large carrot, diced

1 celery stalk, diced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

2 cups vegetable broth

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Cooked spaghetti or pasta of choice, for serving

Instructions
 

Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

    Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables soften.

      Add Lentils: Stir in the rinsed lentils, ensuring they are mixed well with the vegetables.

        Combine Tomato Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried basil to the pot. Stir well to combine.

          Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

            Season: Once the lentils are tender, season with salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

              Serve: Serve the lentil bolognese over cooked spaghetti or pasta of your choice.

                Garnish: Top with fresh basil leaves for an added touch of flavor and color.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4