Vegetarian Classic Bolognese Sauce

Transform your pasta night with this hearty and flavorful Vegetarian Classic Bolognese Sauce, a plant-based twist on the traditional Italian favorite. Packed with protein-rich lentils and a medley of finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and celery, this sauce offers a rich, meaty texture without any meat. Simmered with aromatic herbs, crushed tomatoes, and a splash of optional red wine, it develops deep, robust flavors perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta. Easy to make in just over an hour, this satisfying and nutritious recipe is ideal for vegetarians and anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome, comforting meal. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve up a bowl of irresistible vegetarian goodness!

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 2 units celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, finely chopped
• 8 ounces mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 unit bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup red wine (optional)
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

Step 2

Add the celery, carrot, and mushrooms to the pot. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Stir in the lentils, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 4

If using, add the red wine to the pot and stir. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 6

Remove the bay leaf from the sauce and adjust seasoning to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7

Stir in the fresh chopped parsley just before serving.

Step 8

Serve warm over your favorite pasta, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2204.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1164.4

Total Fat 36.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3486.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 160.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 46.5g	0%
Total Sugars 63.4g
Protein 50.0g	0%

Vitamin D 15.9IU	0%
Calcium 588.8mg	0%
Iron 23.3mg	0%
Potassium 6644.4mg	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: 28.0%

Protein: 17.1%

Carbs: 54.8%