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Budget-Friendly Big-Batch Lentil Bolognese

budget-friendly big-batch lentil bolognese - featured image
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A hearty, budget-friendly lentil bolognese sauce that is easy to make, perfect for meal prep, and packed with flavor. This meatless sauce is rich, comforting, and versatile for various meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 28 oz (800g) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups (480ml) vegetable broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the lentils under cold water until it runs clear and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Cook for 7-8 minutes until veggies are soft and onion is translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize slightly.
  5. Add rinsed lentils, canned crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth or water to the pot.
  6. Season with dried Italian herbs, bay leaf, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
  7. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Partially cover and simmer for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and sauce thickens.
  8. Remove bay leaf. Stir in balsamic vinegar and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Do not skip the soffritto step for best flavor. Use brown or green lentils for a meaty texture; red lentils will become mushy. Simmer low and slow to let flavors meld and lentils absorb the sauce. Add balsamic vinegar off heat for brightness. Adjust thickness by adding broth if too thick or simmering uncovered if too thin.

Nutrition

Keywords: lentil bolognese, budget-friendly, big batch, vegetarian, vegan, meatless sauce, easy dinner, meal prep, healthy, gluten-free

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/budget-friendly-big-batch-lentil-bolognese-recipe-for-easy-hearty-meals/