Why are walnuts added at the very end of cooking this bolognese?

Walnuts are added at the end of cooking to prevent them from turning the sauce black, preserving its vibrant color and nutty flavor.

How can I easily incorporate broccoli into this bolognese meal?

You can easily add broccoli florets, cauliflower, or kale to the pasta water during the last minute of cooking, then drain them all together with your pasta.

Can I make this bolognese without wine?

Yes, if you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of water or vegetable broth when sauteing the vegetables.

What type of lentils should I use for this recipe?

This recipe calls for 3/4 cup of green or brown lentils, which hold their shape well and contribute to the hearty texture of the bolognese.

How should I store leftover Hearty Lentil Broccoli Bolognese?

Store any leftover bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

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Hearty Lentil Broccoli Bolognese
[Vegan, Gluten-Free]

RP By: Renee Press

Author Bio

Fire and Earth Kitchen was founded by artist, educator, and self-taught chef Renee Press, as... Read More

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A steaming bowl of Hearty Lentil Broccoli Bolognese served over pasta, garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.

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Hearty Lentil Broccoli Bolognese [Vegan, Gluten-Free]

414.3

2-4

Dairy Free

Vegan

Vegan lentil bolognese is the perfect filling sauce for a bowl of pasta. In this recipe, hearty lentil, walnut, and mushroom-filled tomato sauce blanket a bed of pasta. It's so tasty, satisfying, and filling, that you might just want to make a large batch and freeze it for future meals.... Read More

Ingredients You Need for Hearty Lentil Broccoli Bolognese [Vegan, Gluten-Free]

1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 cup carrot, diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
1 cup Crimini or White Button mushrooms, chopped or sliced
1/2 cup red or white wine, optional
3 cups tomatoes, diced, fresh or canned
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
2 cups water
1 tablespoon oregano
1 teaspoon thyme
3/4 cup green or brown lentils
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon sweetener of choice (agave, sugar, chopped date)
1 teaspoon salt
Black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup nutritional yeast (optional)
3 cups broccoli florets, cauliflower, or kale

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How to Prepare Hearty Lentil Broccoli Bolognese [Vegan, Gluten-Free]

Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms in a bit of olive oil over medium heat, in a medium pot or wide, deep skillet, for 3-4 minutes.
When softening and lightly browning, add wine if using, if not substitute water or vegetable broth, and stir well to combine. Add tomatoes and cook with lid on for 5-6 minutes over medium heat until tomatoes start to break down. Add remaining ingredients, tomato paste through lentils and bring to a gentle boil then cover and lower to a simmer.
Let cook for 20 minutes or so until lentils are soft and sauce is thickening. Add remaining ingredients walnuts through nutritional yeast. Only add walnuts at the very end of cooking, if you add them earlier and continue to cook sauce, they will turn it black. After you add walnuts and herbs turn off heat and stir well to combine, serve over pasta of choice with steamed or sautéed veggies added in. We like to throw a few cups of broccoli, cauliflower or kale into the pasta water in the last minute of cooking and then drain all together, perfect every time! Toss pasta with sauce to coat thoroughly and serve hot.

Nutritional Information

Note: The information shown is based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.