Craving a delicious, satisfying meal that won’t break the bank? This Hearty Lentil Bolognese is a fantastic option for your budget-friendly dinner recipes collection. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how much flavor it packs into every forkful.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Brown or Green Lentils: Red lentils cook too quickly.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes work in a pinch for a chunkier sauce.
- Vegetable Broth: Water can be used, but broth adds more flavor.
- Nutritional Yeast: Adds a cheesy, umami depth. Omit if you don’t have it.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups dry brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ cup tomato paste
Optional:
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Cooked pasta, for serving
Spices:
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 (without pasta)
- Tools: Large pot or Dutch oven, chopping board, knife
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, then cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Add Garlic and Lentils
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the rinsed dry lentils to the pot. This helps them absorb flavors as they cook.
3. Build the Sauce Base
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add the dried oregano and basil, then stir in the tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Simmer to Perfection
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Finish and Season
Once the lentils are tender, stir in the nutritional yeast if you are using it. Season generously with salt and black pepper to your taste. Your hearty lentil bolognese is ready!
Variation Ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in chopped bell peppers or zucchini during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
- Herbaceous: Garnish with fresh basil or thyme for an extra fresh flavor.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Hearty Lentil Bolognese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick, or microwave until heated through. This makes an excellent budget-friendly dinner recipe for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use red lentils?
A: No, red lentils cook much faster and can become mushy in this recipe. Stick to brown or green lentils for the best texture.
Q: Is this bolognese freezer-friendly?
A: Yes, this lentil bolognese freezes beautifully. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Q: What can I serve this with besides pasta?
A: You can serve it over mashed potatoes, polenta, rice, or even with crusty bread.
Q: How can I make this dish thicker or thinner?
A: If it’s too thick, add a little more vegetable broth or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce.
Q: Do I need to pre-soak the lentils?
A: No, you do not need to pre-soak brown or green lentils for this recipe. Just rinse them thoroughly before adding.
Q: What if I don’t have nutritional yeast?
A: You can simply omit it. The bolognese will still be delicious and a great budget-friendly dinner recipe.