Lentil Bolognese Recipe

Loved it. Added some mushrooms for flavor, Henderson's relish and a bit of soy sauce. Really tasty, the hubby asked for more!

The red wine is not optional, and don't be afraid to put a lot in. My lentils also overcooked while I was boiling the stock out, so don't add too much. - Try adding some dried shitake next time for more meaty flavor

Add the pasta in 10 minutes after the lentils, top with more water.

Make sure your lentils are dry! Otherwise, decrease liquids, or you'll end up with soup.........

Very tasty. I added my pasta (penne rigata) to the pot when I added the red lentils, which made things even easier. I didn’t love the balsamic vinegar, so next time I might sub it with some Worcestershire sauce, and perhaps add a bit of Spanish smoked paprika. But, regardless- flavourful and filling.

STEP ONE Saute onion in olive oil until fragrant. adding carrots, celery and garlic STEP TWO Add carrots, celery and garlic, continue cooking and stirring about 5 minutes. Add herbs and seasonings. STEP THREE Add tomato paste, browning it a bit. Deglaze -add a generous splash of red wine and cook this off. (Optional) pouring wine into the pot STEP FOUR Add tomatoes and their juices. adding tomatoes to the bolognese Add the lentils, hemp seeds or walnut nuts, and broth. adding hemp seeds or walnuts to the bolognese Toasted ground walnuts add really great flavor- but I like the ease of adding the hemp seeds– no grinding necessary! Keep in mind the smaller the lentils the faster the bolognese will cook! These little black caviar lentils are the best- just 20 minutes of cooking time. adding lentils to the bolognese STEP FIVE Bring to a boil and cover. Simmer for 20-30 minutes add the broth and simmer STEP SIX Once the lentils are tender, remove the lid and cook off some of the liquid. cook off any of the liquid in the pot STEP SEVEN Taste and adjust seasonings, and stir in the balsamic vinegar. taste and add balsamic vinegar STEP EIGHT Serve! Spoon this over creamy polenta, or toss it with your favorite pasta. Keep it vegan if you like or top with parmesan or pecorino cheese. Rich and robust, this plant-based Lentil Bolognese is hearty, "meaty" and full of depth of flavor. Toss it with your favorite pasta, or spoon it over creamy polenta- either way, this simple nourishing vegan meal is one the whole family will enjoy. #lentilbolognese