Welcome to a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul! Imagine a rich, hearty sauce that captures the essence of traditional Italian Bolognese, but with a delightful plant-based twist. Our One Pot Lentil Mushroom Bolognese Sauce is not only packed with flavor, but it's also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at your next dinner party. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and a simple cooking process, you’ll be savoring a comforting bowl of goodness in under an hour. Ready to elevate your pasta game? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean workspace. This includes 1 cup of lentils, 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to heat for about 1-2 minutes until it shimmers slightly.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and begins to soften. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor.
- Once the garlic is fragrant, add the sliced mushrooms to the pot. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and have released their moisture.
- After the mushrooms are cooked, add the 1 cup of lentils to the pot and stir well to combine with the other ingredients.
- Pour in the 2 cups of vegetable broth and the can of crushed tomatoes. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and check for doneness.
- After 30 minutes, check the lentils for tenderness. If they are cooked to your liking, remove the pot from heat. If they need more time, continue to simmer for a few more minutes, adding a splash more broth or water if needed.
- Once the lentils are tender, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the One Pot Lentil Mushroom Bolognese Sauce over your choice of pasta, rice, or even on its own. Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for added flavor, if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious and hearty One Pot Lentil Mushroom Bolognese Sauce!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your onions, garlic, and mushrooms ahead of time. This will streamline your cooking process and make it even quicker to get your meal on the table.
- Choose Your Lentils Wisely: For this recipe, brown or green lentils work best as they hold their shape during cooking. Avoid red lentils, as they tend to become mushy.
- Enhance the Flavor: Don’t hesitate to add a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for an extra depth of flavor. Just let it cook off with the onions for a minute before adding the other ingredients.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to throw in other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and texture. Just chop them small and add them when you sauté the onions.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for the last few minutes of cooking. For a soupier version, add more vegetable broth as needed.
- Serving Suggestions: This sauce pairs beautifully with spaghetti, but don’t stop there! Try it over quinoa, rice, or even baked potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It also freezes well, making it a great meal prep option for busy days!Enjoy your cooking experience and the delightful flavors of this One Pot Lentil Mushroom Bolognese Sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
