Vegan High Protein Lentil Bolognese

Looking for a hearty, high-protein vegan meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor? This Vegan High Protein Lentil Bolognese recipe is the perfect answer. It’s rich, savory, and loaded with plant-based protein, making it a standout among quick weeknight meals. Whether you’re a fan of traditional pasta dishes or just looking for a new go-to recipe, this lentil Bolognese will definitely hit the spot. Plus, it’s a tasty meatless meal that will impress even the most skeptical eaters!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Packed with protein: Lentils are a fantastic source of plant-based protein, making this Bolognese both filling and nutritious.
  • Easy weeknight meal: Ready in just under 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those busy evenings when you need a quick and satisfying dinner.
  • Versatile: Pair it with your favorite pasta or serve it Tex-Mex style with tacos, chips, or even nachos for a fun twist!
  • Totally vegan: No meat, no dairy, just pure, tasty goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Vegan High Protein Lentil Bolognese:

  • 1 cup dry lentils (green or brown)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large carrot, finely chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional for extra flavor)
  • Your favorite pasta for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the lentils: Rinse the lentils thoroughly and cook them in a pot with 2-3 cups of water for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender. Drain any excess water and set the lentils aside.
  2. Prepare the veggies: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the veggies start to soften.
  3. Add the tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  4. Combine with lentils: Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the cooked lentils, vegetable broth, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Let the mixture cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Serve the lentil Bolognese over your favorite vegan pasta or even Tex-Mex style with tortillas for a fun twist. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if you’d like!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Lentil Bolognese

  • Meal prep friendly: This Vegan Lentil Bolognese makes for great leftovers, so feel free to double the recipe and enjoy it throughout the week.
  • Customize your protein: While lentils provide a high-protein punch, you can also mix in some crumbled tofu or textured vegetable protein (TVP) for an even bigger protein boost.
  • Add a Tex-Mex twist: Want to switch it up? Serve this Bolognese as a dip with tortilla chips or over nachos for a delicious Tex-Mex-inspired meal. The flavors blend beautifully!

Why Lentil Bolognese is a Must-Try

Lentil Bolognese is not just another pasta sauce; it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to make meatless meals more exciting. Lentils are the star of the show here, bringing a hearty texture and depth of flavor to the dish. Plus, they’re packed with protein, making this Bolognese a fantastic option for those looking for vegan dinner recipes that are both nutritious and delicious.

Whether you’re serving it with pasta sauce or going Tex-Mex with some tortilla chips, this is one recipe that you’ll keep coming back to.

Enjoy this mouthwatering, protein-packed meal, and feel good knowing you’re indulging in a healthy, meat-free dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

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