🌿 Hearty Vegan Lentil Bolognese — Ingredients
- 1 cup dry brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or other pasta
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Vegan Parmesan, optional
Optional for extra richness: ½ cup finely chopped mushrooms and ¼ cup dry red wine.