Vegetarian Classic Bolognaise Sauce

Transform your pasta nights with this hearty Vegetarian Classic Bolognaise Sauce—a plant-based twist on the beloved Italian classic. Packed with earthy lentils, meaty mushrooms, and a flavorful medley of onions, carrots, and celery, this rich and nutritious sauce offers a depth of flavor that will satisfy even the most devoted meat-lovers. Simmered to perfection with zesty tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a hint of garlic, this vegetarian bolognaise achieves the perfect balance of savory and robust. Ready in just over an hour, it's the ultimate comfort food and pairs beautifully with pasta, zoodles, or even crusty bread. Perfect for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone seeking a wholesome, protein-rich alternative to traditional bolognaise!

Nutriscore Rating: 84/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large, finely chopped onion
• 1 large, peeled and diced carrot
• 2 diced celery stalks
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 250 grams, chopped button mushrooms
• 200 grams, rinsed dried green or brown lentils
• 2 400-gram cans canned chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 500 mL vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional) fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and beginning to brown.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the chopped mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and start to brown, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Add the lentils, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 8

Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick.

Step 9

Once cooked, remove from heat and discard the bay leaf.

Step 10

Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve over your favorite pasta or zoodles.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2581.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1722.4

Total Fat 52.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3838.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 251.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 53.7g	0%
Total Sugars 64.2g
Protein 84.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 641.8mg	0%
Iron 25.7mg	0%
Potassium 6562.8mg	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: 26.0%

Protein: 18.5%

Carbs: 55.4%