Vegan Spaghetti Lentil Bolognese

This Vegan Spaghetti Lentil Bolognese uses simple pantry ingredients for an easy, budget-friendly dinner.

📝 Ingredients

• 400 g spaghetti
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 carrot
• 1 celery stalk
• 1/2 leek (white part only)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp walnuts, chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1 can (400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cans brown lentils (480 grams, drained)
• 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari
• A splash of balsamic vinegar

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Finely slice and chop the onion, garlic, carrot,...: Finely slice and chop the onion, garlic, carrot, celery, leek, and walnuts. Roughly mash about half of the drained canned lentils.
2. 2Heat the olive oil in a large pot...: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic, carrot, celery, and leek, and cook for another 6–8 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
3. 3Stir in the oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, and...: Stir in the oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Cook for about 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their aroma.
4. 4Add the chopped walnuts and tomato paste. Stir...: Add the chopped walnuts and tomato paste. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly and coats the vegetables.
5. 5Pour in the red wine and scrape the...: Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful bits. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the alcohol cooks off slightly.
6. 6Add the crushed tomatoes, lentils, and vegetable broth....: Add the crushed tomatoes, lentils, and vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. 7Stir in the soy sauce (or tamari) and...: Stir in the soy sauce (or tamari) and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed: add more salt, pepper, or acidity if desired. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
8. 8While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti in...: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti in well-salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining.
9. 9Serve the lentil bolognese over the spaghetti. Garnish...: Serve the lentil bolognese over the spaghetti. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and finish with nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan.