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Five-a-Day Lentil Bolognese

A hearty and nourishing lentil bolognese sauce packed with vibrant vegetables, serving as a fantastic meatless alternative to classic recipes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Vegetarian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vegetables and Lentils
  • 1 cup lentils Rinse under cold water before cooking.
  • 1 onion, chopped Chop finely for better flavor release.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the overall flavor.
  • 1 carrot, diced Adds sweetness to the sauce.
  • 1 stalk celery, diced For added crunch and flavor.
  • 1 bell pepper, diced Use any color bell pepper.
  • 1 zucchini, diced Adds moisture to the sauce.
  • 14 oz can crushed tomatoes Choose high-quality tomatoes for best flavor.
Seasoning and Oils
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing the vegetables.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano Adds Mediterranean flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil For an aromatic touch.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
Pasta and Garnish
  • Pasta of choice Serve the sauce over your preferred pasta.
  • Grated parmesan cheese (optional) Use for topping if desired.

Method
 

Cooking the Vegetables
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and bell pepper; sauté for about 5 minutes until soft.
  3. Stir in the zucchini and lentils, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Making the Sauce
  1. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, adding water if needed to prevent sticking.
Cooking the Pasta
  1. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
Serving
  1. Serve the lentil bolognese over the pasta and garnish with grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For variations, consider adding mushrooms, spinach, or even meat. This dish also freezes well for meal prep.
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