Vegan Classic Bolognese Sauce

Experience the hearty comfort of a rich, plant-based twist on a classic Italian favorite with this Vegan Classic Bolognese Sauce. Bursting with flavor, this meat-free recipe features protein-packed lentils and earthy button mushrooms, creating a robust and satisfying texture that rivals the original. A medley of finely chopped vegetables, fragrant herbs, and crushed tomatoes is simmered to perfection, while a splash of red wine (optional) adds depth to this luscious sauce. Ready in under an hour, it’s the ideal accompaniment to your favorite pasta for a wholesome, comforting meal. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a truly authentic touch. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking for a delicious plant-based dinner, this classic sauce is sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 large Onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium Carrot, finely chopped
• 1 medium Celery stalk, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 250 grams Button mushrooms, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 400 grams Canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup Vegetable broth
• 1 cup Dried lentils, rinsed
• 1 leaf Bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 0.5 cup Red wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons Nutritional yeast (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the chopped mushrooms to the saucepan and cook, stirring occasionally, until they have released their juices and begin to brown, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Mix in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 6

If using, pour in the red wine, and let it simmer until it reduces slightly, about 3 minutes.

Step 7

Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, rinsed lentils, bay leaf, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 10

Remove from heat and discard the bay leaf.

Step 11

Serve the Bolognese sauce over your favorite pasta, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1597.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1013.1

Total Fat 33.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3594.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 126.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 38.1g	0%
Total Sugars 44.2g
Protein 44.2g	0%

Vitamin D 17.5IU	0%
Calcium 337.7mg	0%
Iron 16.3mg	0%
Potassium 4543.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.5%

Protein: 18.0%

Carbs: 51.6%