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square image of wide noodles with chunky lentil sauce in a bowl
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5 stars (16 ratings)

1-Pot Lentil Bolognese

This easy 1-Pot Lentil Bolognese recipe puts a plant based spin on the classic Italian sauce. With almost addictively rich flavors and plenty of protein, it’s a satisfying vegan dinner!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time55 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: American, Italian
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 269kcal
Author: Nora Taylor

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and diced
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes optional
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine optional
  • 1 cup lentils I used French green lentils
  • 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 14 ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

For serving

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat, then add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  • Add the carrots, garlic, basil, oregano, chili flakes and salt and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the tomato paste and stir into the other ingredients for about 1 minute. Pour the wine in and deglaze the pan, scraping any bits off the bottom. Let the wine cook off for about 2 minutes.
  • Now add the lentils, walnuts and broth. Stir everything together well and bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer for 40 minutes,  stirring every 10 minutes or so, until the lentils are tender. If needed, add a little water. The mixture should be thick once the lentils are tender. Don't turn the heat too high, or the broth/water will evaporate but the lentils won't get soft. A gentle simmer is what you want.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. Add additional salt to taste. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
  • Serve with cooked wide noodle pasta or any other pasta you like. It's also good with crusty bread and perhaps a sprinkle of vegan parmesan. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. Nutritional information is for the lentil sauce, and does not include any pasta.
  2. You may use another kind of lentil, like black, green, brown or even red.
  3. For nut free, leave out the walnuts or use shelled hemp seeds instead.
  4. For gluten free, serve with gluten free pasta.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 889mg | Potassium: 589mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 3051IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 3mg