Lentil Bolognese Sauce Recipe
Overview:
Lentil Bolognese Sauce is a versatile and flavorful sauce that can serve as the foundation for various dishes, ranging from vegetarian pies to moussaka, or simply as a delectable pasta sauce. Its rich taste and hearty texture make it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly and packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for those seeking a delicious and nutritious meal option. This recipe yields a generous amount of sauce, ensuring you have plenty to enjoy and even some leftover for future meals.
Recipe Details:
- Name: Lentil Bolognese Sauce
- Category: Lunch/Snacks
- Keywords: Grains, Lentil, Beans, Vegetable, Vegan, Spicy, Weeknight, Stove Top, < 4 Hours, Easy
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Servings: Varies
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Onions |
| 2-3 | Carrots |
| 2 | Celery stalks |
| 2 tbsp | Olive oil |
| 2 cups | Brown lentils |
| 200 ml | White wine |
| 200 ml | Vegetable stock |
| 1 tbsp | Tomato paste |
| To taste | Nutmeg |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 451
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 185.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 70.9g
- Fiber: 32.1g
- Sugar: 8.7g
- Protein: 26.6g
Instructions:
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Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery stalks. Sauté until lightly browned, approximately 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to develop rich flavors.
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Add Lentils: Stir in the brown lentils, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the sautéed vegetables and olive oil. Continue stirring for a few minutes until the lentils are well coated and infused with the aromatic mixture.
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Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine, allowing it to boil for a few seconds. This step helps deglaze the pan, incorporating any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom, and adds a subtle depth of flavor to the sauce as the wine reduces slightly.
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Incorporate Stock and Tomato Paste: Add the vegetable stock and tomato paste to the saucepan, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. These additions provide the base and richness to the sauce, enhancing its texture and taste.
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Season and Simmer: Season the sauce with nutmeg according to your preference. Allow the mixture to simmer gently over low to medium heat for about 45 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or nutmeg to suit your taste preferences, enhancing the flavors to perfection.
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Serve: Once the lentils are cooked to your desired consistency and the flavors have melded beautifully, your Lentil Bolognese Sauce is ready to be enjoyed. Serve it hot over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or tagliatelle, for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy the Lentil Bolognese Sauce over al dente pasta for a classic and hearty meal.
- Use it as a filling for vegetarian pies or as a topping for baked potatoes for a creative twist.
- Layer it with eggplant and potatoes to make a flavorful vegetarian moussaka.
- Serve it cold with pita bread and a side salad for a refreshing and nutritious lunch option.
Final Thoughts:
Lentil Bolognese Sauce is a delightful culinary creation that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also nourishes the body with its wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this sauce is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, set aside some time to simmer, and indulge in the comforting goodness of this versatile and delicious sauce! 🍝🥗
