Spaghetti bolognaise with lentils

Discover a hearty and nutritious twist on classic spaghetti bolognese with this lentil-infused recipe. Made with ground pork, fresh vegetables, savory tomato puree, and aromatic oregano, this dish is enhanced by protein-packed lentils and rich beef broth. Serve over your favorite pasta for a satisfying and delicious meal the whole family will love.

  • 27 Mar 2024
  • Cook time 25 min
  • Prep time 10 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 13 Ingredients

Spaghetti bolognaise with lentils

Spaghetti Bolognese with Lentils is a wholesome and nutritious take on the classic Italian dish. By incorporating lentils into the traditional meat sauce, you not only boost the nutritional value but also introduce a wonderful texture and flavor that pairs perfectly with the pasta. This recipe combines ground pork, fresh vegetables, and hearty lentils to create a satisfying and delicious meal for any night of the week.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
14g
1 onion
160g
1 stalk celery
130g
1 carrot
60g
3/4 cup mushrooms
170g
2 garlic cloves
6g
10 oz ground pork
280g
2 tbsp tomato puree
30g
1 can canned lentils
400g
1 tsp dried oregano
5g
1 lb tomatoes
450g
1.50 cups beef broth
380g
12 oz pasta
340g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Finely chop the onion, celery, and carrot.
- Slice the mushrooms.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Chop the tomatoes if using fresh tomatoes.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Make the Base:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
4. Cook the Meat:
- Add the ground pork to the skillet. Cook it until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
5. Add Tomatoes and Lentils:
- Stir in the tomato puree and cook for another minute.
- Add the canned lentils and the chopped tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes).
- Sprinkle in the dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer the Sauce:
- Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
7. Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the sauce.
- Let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes so the pasta can absorb some of the sauce.
8. Serve:
- Serve the Spaghetti Bolognaise with Lentils hot, garnished with grated cheese or fresh basil if desired.

Tips:

- Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible to enhance the flavor of your dish. Fresh tomatoes can make a significant difference compared to canned ones.

- Let the sauce simmer gently for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together fully, creating a richer and more complex sauce.

- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce after it has simmered.

- To save time, you can use pre-cooked lentils. Be sure to rinse and drain them before adding them to the sauce.

- To make the meal vegetarian, you can omit the ground pork and double the amount of lentils or add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

- Cook the pasta al dente to ensure it retains a slight firmness when mixed with the sauce, offering a pleasant texture contrast.

Incorporating lentils into your Spaghetti Bolognese not only makes the dish healthier but also adds an interesting twist on a classic favorite. This recipe brings together the rich flavors of ground pork, fresh vegetables, and lentils, resulting in a hearty and satisfying meal. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil for an extra touch of Italian flair. Buon appetito!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size610 grams
Energy
Calories 720kcal29%
Protein
Protein 44g28%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 100g28%
Fiber 15g39%
Sugar 12g12%
Fat
Fat 20g24%
Saturated 6g21%
Cholesterol 70mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 180ug20%
Choline 130mg24%
Vitamin B1 1.54mg128%
Vitamin B2 0.85mg66%
Vitamin B3 14mg86%
Vitamin B6 0.84mg50%
Vitamin B9 450ug112%
Vitamin B12 0.47ug19%
Vitamin C 24mg27%
Vitamin E 1.54mg10%
Vitamin K 30ug25%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 120mg9%
Copper, Cu 0.83mg0%
Iron, Fe 8mg77%
Magnesium, Mg 130mg31%
Phosphorus, P 610mg49%
Potassium, K 1550mg46%
Selenium, Se 90ug166%
Sodium, Na 450mg30%
Zinc, Zn 5mg49%
Water
Water 440g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2500 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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