Name: Hearty Lentil Bolognese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Cuisine: Healthy
Ingredients: 1 cup brown or green lentils; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion; 2 carrots; 2 celery stalks; 3 garlic cloves; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 28oz crushed tomatoes; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp smoked paprika

Quick Summary

This dish replaces ground meat with brown lentils for a fiber-rich, high-protein alternative. It simmers into a thick, savory sauce perfect for whole-grain pasta or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, finely diced
2 carrots, finely diced
2 celery stalks, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp tomato paste
1 can (28oz) crushed tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Sauté the onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil until soft and translucent, about 8 minutes.
2. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook for 2 minutes to deepen the color.
3. Pour in the lentils, crushed tomatoes, and broth. Stir well.
4. Simmer on low heat for 30–35 minutes until the lentils are tender and the sauce has thickened.

Stewart's Secret: Add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar right before serving. It brightens the earthiness of the lentils and balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.

Nutrition Snapshot

Calories	450 kcal
Protein	22g
Carbs	65g
Fat	8g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this sauce?

Yes, it freezes beautifully for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Which lentils work best?

Brown or green lentils hold their shape well, making them ideal for a hearty sauce texture.

Is this gluten-free?

Naturally, yes. Serve it over zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta if needed.

Hearty Lentil Bolognese

The Story

1Ingredients

2Instructions

Quick Summary

Ingredients

Method

Nutrition Snapshot

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this sauce?

Which lentils work best?

Is this gluten-free?

Nutrition Information

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