Vegan Lentil Bolognese Zucchini (Print Version)
Hearty plant-based lentil sauce paired with fresh spiralized zucchini noodles for a flavorful, nutritious meal.
# What You Need:
→ Lentil Bolognese
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 medium carrot, finely diced
05 - 1 celery stalk, finely diced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
08 - 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
09 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
10 - 2 cups vegetable broth
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 1 bay leaf
16 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
17 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
→ Zucchini Noodles
18 - 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
19 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
20 - Salt, to taste
→ To Serve
21 - Fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)
22 - Vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast (optional)
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
02 - Incorporate minced garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add rinsed lentils, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, basil, thyme, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
04 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally until lentils are tender and sauce thickens. Add more broth if necessary.
05 - Remove bay leaf, stir in balsamic vinegar if using, and adjust seasoning to taste.
06 - While sauce simmers, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add spiralized zucchini and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes just until slightly tender. Season with salt.
07 - Plate zucchini noodles and top with lentil Bolognese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It tastes like the Bolognese you crave without any heaviness afterward.
- Lentils give you the heartiness and protein that keeps you satisfied for hours.
- The whole thing comes together in under an hour, making weeknight dinners feel less frantic.
02 -
- Rinsing your lentils before cooking prevents the sauce from becoming muddy or starchy.
- Don't skip sautéing the vegetables first—that caramelized base is what separates a forgettable sauce from one people remember.
- Zucchini noodles release water as they sit, so cook them just before serving and serve immediately for the best texture.
03 -
- A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat that makes you reach for another bite.
- If you can't find vegan parmesan, nutritional yeast scattered on top gives a savory, cheesy note that feels luxurious.