"Lentils make a wonderful replacement for ground meat in this flavorful vegetarian/vegan Lentil Bolognese Sauce."
Lentil Pasta Sauce
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Prep time 20mins
Cook time 1hr 15mins
Serves or Makes: 6 servings
Recipe Card
ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped carrot
- 4 cloves chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup cream
Method
Step 1
Place the lentils in a medium pot, and cover by a couple of inches with water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 30 minutes until the lentils are al dente, (cooked but still firm). Drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a large skillet heat the olive oil and saute the onion, celery, and carrot over medium-high heat until the vegetables become very soft, about 5-6 minutes
Step 3
Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the tomato paste, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, nutmeg and cinnamon and cook for a minute until the spices are fragrant.
Step 4
If you are using the wine, add it to the pan and cook, deglazing the pan, until most of the liquid has evaporated.
Step 5
Add the lentils and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes, until the lentils are soft and the sauce has thickened.
Step 6
Add the cream (if using) and simmer for another five minutes. Season with salt & pepper, if necessary. Serve over your favorite pasta.