Vegan bolognaise

Dive into the rich and hearty flavors of our Vegan Bolognaise! This wholesome recipe combines sautéed onions, carrots, and celery with savory mushrooms, eggplant, and lentils. Seasoned with tomato puree, a spice mix, and a splash of vinegar, this sauce is cooked to perfection with fresh parsley and zesty lemon. It’s the ultimate plant-based comfort food that’s perfect for any pasta dish.

  • 22 Apr 2025
  • Cook time 30 min
  • Prep time 15 min
  • 6 Servings
  • 16 Ingredients

Vegan bolognaise

This Vegan Bolognese is a hearty and delicious alternative to the traditional meat-based sauce. Packed with vegetables, lentils, and a rich blend of spices, this dish is perfect for those looking to enjoy a wholesome meal without compromising on flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe is not only nutritious but also easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
27g
1 onion
160g
1 carrot
60g
1 stalk celery
130g
2 garlic cloves
6g
1 cup mushrooms
230g
1 eggplant
450g
2 tbsp tomato puree
30g
1 can canned tomatoes
400g
1 cup vegetable broth
230g
1 tsp spice mix
5g
2 tbsp vinegar
30g
1 tsp maple syrup
5g
1 can canned lentils
400g
1/4 cup fresh parsley
16g
2 tbsp lemon zest
30g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by washing and finely chopping the onion, carrot, celery, mushrooms, and eggplant. Mince the garlic cloves.
2. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pan or pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the pan. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
4. Add Garlic and Mushrooms: Add the minced garlic and chopped mushrooms to the pan. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms begin to release their moisture.
5. Cook Eggplant: Add the finely chopped eggplant to the pan. Stir well and cook for about 5-8 minutes until the eggplant softens, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Tomato Mixture: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato puree, making sure it’s well combined with the vegetables. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
7. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the canned tomatoes (with their juice) and 1 cup of vegetable broth. Stir in the spice mix, vinegar, and maple syrup. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
8. Incorporate Lentils: Add the drained and rinsed lentils to the pan. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
9. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the bolognaise simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken.
10. Final Touches: About 5 minutes before the end of the simmering time, stir in the chopped fresh parsley and lemon zest.
11. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the bolognaise and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding salt and pepper to taste.
12. Serve: Serve the vegan bolognaise over your favorite pasta, zucchini noodles, or rice. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Tips:

- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce to your desired consistency.

- Add your favorite herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil to enhance the flavor.

- Serve the Bolognese over your preferred pasta or use it as a filling for lasagna.

- This sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it a great option for meal prep.

- Feel free to substitute other vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini or bell peppers, for a personal touch.

This Vegan Bolognese is a versatile and flavorful dish that proves you don't need meat to enjoy a rich and satisfying meal. With a myriad of vegetables and lentils providing texture and substance, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy experimenting with different herbs and veggies to make it your own!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size370 grams
Energy
Calories 140kcal7%
Protein
Protein 9g6%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 27g8%
Fiber 10g28%
Sugar 9g9%
Fat
Fat 5g6%
Saturated 0.77g3%
Cholesterol 0.00mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 120ug13%
Choline 44mg8%
Vitamin B1 0.59mg49%
Vitamin B2 0.32mg25%
Vitamin B3 3.51mg22%
Vitamin B6 0.37mg22%
Vitamin B9 170ug44%
Vitamin B12 0.02ug1%
Vitamin C 20mg22%
Vitamin E 0.94mg6%
Vitamin K 55ug46%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 70mg5%
Copper, Cu 0.46mg51%
Iron, Fe 3.30mg30%
Magnesium, Mg 55mg13%
Phosphorus, P 210mg17%
Potassium, K 870mg26%
Selenium, Se 10ug19%
Sodium, Na 220mg15%
Zinc, Zn 1.42mg13%
Water
Water 320g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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