Lentil Bolognese over Garlic Herb Pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 1 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 ounces pasta of choice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

Steps

1. 1 Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. 2 Stir in lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. 3 While the sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
4. 4 In the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking, melt butter in a small pan. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
5. 5 Drain pasta and return to pot. Toss with garlic butter, parsley, basil, and a splash of pasta water to coat.
6. 6 Serve pasta topped with a generous ladle of lentil Bolognese sauce.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium pot
• Small pan
• Wooden spoon

Variations

• Add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies.
• Stir in a handful of spinach during the last few minutes of cooking the sauce.

Substitutions

• Use canned lentils for a quicker version, just mash some before adding to the sauce.
• Substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.

Pairings

• A glass of red wine complements this dish beautifully.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple arugula salad.

Nutrition

Tips

• For an even heartier meal, serve with a side of crusty bread.
• Feel free to add a splash of red wine to the sauce for extra depth.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to loosen.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
• Serve with garlic bread for a comforting meal.

FAQ