Hey food-loving friends!
I hope you are all having an uber-fabulous day! Today I’ve got a scrumptious, veggie-packed recipe to share with you: Lentil Bolognese with Spaghetti. This dish is a hearty, flavorful twist on the classic spaghetti Bolognese that’s perfect for anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet. Plus, it’s super simple to make—win-win!
So, let’s get our aprons on and dive right into this delightful recipe. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a real treat!
### Lentil Bolognese with Spaghetti Recipe
#### Ingredients:
– **1 cup green or brown lentils**, rinsed and drained
– **2 tbsp olive oil**
– **1 large onion**, finely chopped
– **2 carrots**, finely chopped
– **2 celery stalks**, finely chopped
– **4 garlic cloves**, minced
– **1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes**
– **1 can (14.5 oz) tomato sauce**
– **1/4 cup tomato paste**
– **1 cup vegetable broth**
– **1/2 cup red wine** (optional but adds amazing depth!)
– **1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari**
– **2 tsp dried oregano**
– **2 tsp dried basil**
– **1 tsp dried thyme**
– **1 tsp smoked paprika**
– **Salt and pepper** to taste
– **1 package (16 oz) whole-wheat spaghetti** (or any pasta you love)
– **Fresh basil or parsley** for garnish (optional)
– **Nutritional yeast** for that cheesy vibe (optional)
#### Instructions:
1. **Cook the Lentils:**
– In a medium pot, add the lentils and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. **Get Your Veggies Ready:**
– While your lentils are cooking, chop up the onion, carrots, and celery. This step always makes me feel like I’m on a cooking show with all my neatly prepped ingredients!
3. **Start the Sauté:**
– In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent.
– Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen should start smelling amazing about now!
4. **Make the Sauce:**
– Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir until everything is well combined.
– Add the cooked lentils, vegetable broth, red wine (if using), soy sauce, oregano, basil, thyme, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
– Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow all those wonderful flavors to come together nicely.
5. **Cook Your Spaghetti:**
– While your sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. I like to add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water—it really enhances the flavor of the pasta.
6. **Bringing It All Together:**
– Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated with the Bolognese.
7. **Serving Time:**
– Dish out the pasta into bowls, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast if you like that cheesy goodness (totally optional but highly recommended!).
#### Extra Tips:
– **Leftover Love:** This Lentil Bolognese is perfect for meal prep. It tastes even better the next day!
– **Make it Your Own:** Feel free to add whatever veggies you have on hand—bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, you name it!
– **Family-Friendly:** If you’re serving this to little ones, you can blend the sauce a bit to make it smoother and more kid-friendly.
And there you have it—a delicious, hearty, and healthy Lentil Bolognese with Spaghetti that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. This recipe is not only wholesome but also packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making it a nutrient-dense meal for your family.
I’d love to hear if you give this a try! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out. Or snap a pic and tag me on Instagram—you know I love seeing your foodie creations.
Until next time, happy cooking!
XO,
[Your Name] 🥄🍅✨