Mushroom and Lentil Bolognese Recipe | Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese

Introduction

This vegan version of the classic spaghetti bolognese is a hearty and nutritious dish, perfect for those looking for a plant-based alternative. With a rich texture and full flavor, this recipe uses mushrooms and lentils to create a satisfying meat-free meal.

Ingredients

• Onions
• Garlic
• Celery
• Carrots
• Australian mushrooms (or any preferred variety)
• Lentils
• Passata (strained tomatoes)
• Canned tomatoes
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Freshly chopped parsley
• Spaghetti or preferred pasta
• Black pepper

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a food processor, combine onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed. This creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
2. Cook the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat some extra virgin olive oil and add the chopped vegetables. Cook until they start to brown, releasing their flavors.
3. Prepare and Add Mushrooms: Roughly chop the mushrooms and pulse them in the food processor until chunky. Add the chopped mushrooms to the pot with the vegetables. Cook until the mushrooms start to brown and blend well with the other ingredients.
4. Add Tomatoes and Lentils: Pour in the passata and canned tomatoes. Then add the lentils. Mix well and let the mixture simmer. The lentils will soak up the liquid, so add a bit more passata if necessary.
5. Season and Simmer: Season with black pepper and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes on medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Finish with Parsley: Towards the end of the cooking time, stir in freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and freshness.
7. Combine with Pasta: Cook your pasta according to package instructions. Once both pasta and sauce are ready, mix them together, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors of the bolognese sauce.

Conclusion

This vegan Mushroom and Lentil Bolognese is a delicious and comforting dish, packed with vegetables and flavors. It's a perfect example of how a meat-free meal can still be hearty, satisfying, and full of texture. Serve it with a garnish of parsley for an appealing and appetizing finish.