Hearty and Delicious Vegan Bolognese: A Cruelty-Free Twist on a Classic Italian Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of brown lentils
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
  • 1 cup of dry red wine
  • 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon of dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 cup of vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Rinse the lentils and cook according to package instructions until they are tender. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
  3. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir to combine, cooking until the garlic is fragrant.
  4. Stir in the red wine, scraping any bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  5. Add the cooked lentils, crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
  6. Pour in the vegetable broth, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 30 minutes, or until it thickens to your preferred consistency.
  7. Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil and nutritional yeast (if using).
  8. Adjust seasonings to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
  9. Serve the vegan Bolognese sauce over your choice of pasta.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of lentils such as green or red lentils for a variation in texture and flavor.
  • Add diced vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra depth and variety.
  • Replace the lentils with cooked chickpeas or black beans for a different protein source.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika to customize the flavor profile.
  • Include a splash of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce for added richness and umami.
  • For a gluten-free option, serve the bolognese sauce over gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
  • Garnish with vegan parmesan cheese or vegan mozzarella for a cheesy twist.
  • Add a handful of spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for an extra nutritional boost.
  • For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
  • Try using different types of pasta shapes such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti squash for a unique presentation.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the flavors of this hearty Vegan Bolognese - a delightful, nutrient-packed twist on the traditional Italian dish. This recipe uses lentils as a meat substitute, making it a high-protein meal that's satisfying and cruelty-free. Cooked in a rich tomato sauce with a blend of herbs and a splash of red wine, this Bolognese sauce will impress with its depth of flavor, whether you're vegan or not. The preparation is straightforward and fuss-free, simmering the ingredients together until you reach a thick and robust sauce. Drizzled over your preferred pasta, this Vegan Bolognese is a wholesome, comforting dish that you'll find yourself returning to time and time again. Expect to be satisfied and ready to take on the world after eating this plant-powered meal.

Common questions

  1. Can I use canned lentils instead of cooking them from scratch?
    Yes, you can use canned lentils in this recipe. Simply drain and rinse them before adding them to the sauce.
  2. Can I substitute the red wine with something else?
    If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vegetable broth or water.
  3. Is the nutritional yeast necessary?
    No, nutritional yeast is optional, but it adds a cheesy flavor to the sauce. You can omit it if you prefer.
  4. Can I freeze the vegan Bolognese sauce?
    Yes, this sauce freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
    Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to check the labels of the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth to ensure they are gluten-free.
  6. Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?
    Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to customize the sauce to your liking.
  7. What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
    Traditional Italian pastas like spaghetti or tagliatelle work well with this vegan Bolognese sauce. However, you can use any type of pasta you prefer.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large skillet - A large skillet is needed to sauté the vegetables and cook the sauce.
  • Wooden spoon - A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring and combining the ingredients in the skillet.
  • Cooking pot - A cooking pot is necessary to cook the lentils until they are tender.
  • Colander - A colander is useful for draining the cooked lentils.
  • Measuring cups - Measuring cups are needed to accurately measure the ingredients, such as lentils, vegetable broth, and wine.
  • Chef's knife - A sharp chef's knife is essential for finely chopping the onion, carrot, and celery.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board provides a flat surface for chopping the vegetables.
  • Garlic mincer - A garlic mincer or press is helpful for easily mincing the garlic cloves.
  • Pasta pot - A pasta pot is needed to cook your choice of pasta to serve with the Bolognese sauce.
  • Grater - A grater can be used to grate fresh nutritional yeast (if using) for topping the dish.
  • Serving bowls or plates - Serving bowls or plates are required to serve the vegan Bolognese sauce alongside the cooked pasta.

Origin stories

Bolognese sauce, as we know it, finds its origins in the culinary tradition of Bologna, Italy. However, the original Italian version is a far cry from the tomato-based sauce we often associate with Bolognese today. In fact, the authentic Ragu alla Bolognese is a meat-based sauce that uses a minimal amount of tomato, and it's typically served with tagliatelle, not spaghetti. It's fascinating how the evolution of a recipe can take on so many forms as it travels and morphs to adapt to different cultures and dietary lifestyles. This vegan Bolognese recipe, for example, takes a nod from the traditional while reimagining it for those who eschew animal products. It uses lentils in place of meat but strives to achieve the same richness and depth of flavor characteristic of the authentic Bolognese sauce. So, in savoring this dish, you are not only enjoying a hearty and nutritious meal, but also participating in the ongoing, ever-changing journey of a centuries-old Italian classic.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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