Vegan Lentil Bolognese

We are loving hearty, warming meals in this cooler late-Autumn weather, and this vegan take on the traditional Spaghetti Bolognese is a lighter option! The recipe is packed with lentils (full of B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc), walnuts and mushrooms.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ yellow onion, diced, about 1 cup
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 4 cups chopped mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
• ½ cup walnuts, crushed
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon tamari
• 400g can diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups cooked brown or green lentils
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 225gm spaghetti (gluten free if preferred)
• 1 cup sliced fresh basil, optional
• ½ cup toasted pine nuts
• red pepper flakes
• shaved vegan cheese
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

METHOD

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot and pinches of salt and pepper and cook until they begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms, another pinch of salt, and cook until soft, stirring only occasionally, about 8 more minutes.
   
   
2. Stir in the rosemary. Push everything to one side of the pan to make room for the walnuts. Add the crushed walnuts and toast them for about 30 seconds, then stir everything together. Stir in the garlic, then add the balsamic vinegar and tamari and stir to incorporate. Add the tomatoes, lentils, tomato paste, sage and fresh cherry tomatoes, and stir.
   
   
3. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season to taste.
   
   
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare the pasta according to the instructions on the package, cooking until al dente. Drain and add the pasta to the pan with the sauce.
   
   
5. Serve with fresh basil, pine nuts, pinches of red pepper flakes and cheese.

Recipe by Love & Lemons