DINNER IN 40 MINUTES
PANTRY-FRIENDLY
1
Step 1
Heat the oil and cook the onion, carrot and mushrooms for 10 minutes until soft and lightly browned.
DINNER IN 40 MINUTES
PANTRY-FRIENDLY
VEGETARIAN · DINNER
Lentil Bolognese
Meat-free lentil bolognese with mushrooms, carrot and tomatoes, tossed with spaghetti. A budget-friendly 40-minute vegetarian dinner for 4.
Total time40 min
YieldServes 4
DietVegetarian
Shopping13 ingredients
DifficultyEasy
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Everything you need, in order.
Check ingredients as you gather them, then work through 4 calm, clearly numbered steps.
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Ingredients
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Method
4 steps · about 40 minutes total
2
Step 2
Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for one minute.
3
Step 3
Add the tomatoes, stock, oregano and lentils. Simmer for 15 minutes until thick. Season.
4
Step 4
Cook the pasta in salted water, drain and toss with the sauce.
Before you serve
Cooking notes & good-to-know answers.
Small details for confident timing, useful swaps, and safer leftovers.
Cooking notes
Finely chopped mushrooms give the sauce a meaty texture.
Use dried lentils if you prefer: simmer 150 g brown lentils for 25 minutes first.
Top with grated cheese, or nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
Good to know
Yes, if you skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative.
Brown or green lentils hold their shape. Red lentils break down and make a softer sauce.
Yes. The sauce freezes well for up to three months.
About this recipe
Lentil bolognese swaps beef mince for brown lentils and finely chopped mushrooms. It has the same comforting tomato sauce, costs less, and is ready in 40 minutes.
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