STEP ONE
Saute onion in olive oil until fragrant.
adding carrots, celery and garlic
STEP TWO
Add carrots, celery and garlic, continue cooking and stirring about 5 minutes. Add herbs and seasonings.
STEP THREE
Add tomato paste, browning it a bit. Deglaze -add a generous splash of red wine and cook this off. (Optional)
pouring wine into the pot
STEP FOUR
Add tomatoes and their juices.
adding tomatoes to the bolognese
Add the lentils, hemp seeds or walnut nuts, and broth.
adding hemp seeds or walnuts to the bolognese
Toasted ground walnuts add really great flavor- but I like the ease of adding the hemp seeds– no grinding necessary!
Keep in mind the smaller the lentils the faster the bolognese will cook! These little black caviar lentils are the best- just 20 minutes of cooking time.
adding lentils to the bolognese
STEP FIVE
Bring to a boil and cover. Simmer for 20-30 minutes
add the broth and simmer
STEP SIX
Once the lentils are tender, remove the lid and cook off some of the liquid.
cook off any of the liquid in the pot
STEP SEVEN
Taste and adjust seasonings, and stir in the balsamic vinegar.
taste and add balsamic vinegar
STEP EIGHT
Serve! Spoon this over creamy polenta, or toss it with your favorite pasta. Keep it vegan if you like or top with parmesan or pecorino cheese.
Rich and robust, this plant-based Lentil Bolognese is hearty, "meaty" and full of depth of flavor. Toss it with your favorite pasta, or spoon it over creamy polenta- either way, this simple nourishing vegan meal is one the whole family will enjoy. #lentilbolognese
