Hearty Vegan Lentil Bolognese — Ingredients

  • 1 cup (200 g) green or brown lentils, cooked or canned and drained
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 carrots, finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1½ cups (360 ml) vegetable broth
  • ½ cup (120 ml) red wine or extra vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tsp maple syrup or sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or other pasta
  • Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
  • Vegan Parmesan, for serving (optional)

For extra richness, you can also add ½ cup finely chopped mushrooms or ¼ cup walnuts, finely ground.