Vegan bolognese with lentils, mushrooms and sunflower seeds

Indulge in this hearty and nutritious Vegan Bolognese made with lentils, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, and a medley of fresh vegetables and herbs. Perfectly paired with whole-wheat pasta, this plant-based twist on a classic Italian favorite offers rich flavors and wholesome ingredients that will satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body. Ready in just a few steps, it's the ultimate healthy comfort food for any day of the week!

  • 17 Mar 2024
  • Cook time 25 min
  • Prep time 10 min
  • 6 Servings
  • 15 Ingredients

Vegan bolognese with lentils, mushrooms and sunflower seeds

Indulge in a delicious and hearty meal with our Vegan Bolognese featuring lentils, mushrooms, and sunflower seeds. Packed with nutritious ingredients and bursting with flavors, this plant-based alternative to the traditional bolognese is sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling energized. With a blend of vegetables, grains, and seeds, this recipe offers a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.

Ingredients:

1 cup lentils
190g
1 cup mushrooms
70g
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
33g
1 onion
110g
3 garlic cloves
9g
2 cups tomato sauce
490g
3 carrots
180g
1/3 cup olives
44g
1.33 cups basil leaves
8g
1/3 cup fresh parsley
20g
1/4 cup almond milk
60g
3 tbsp olive oil
40g
1 tbsp chili powder
8g
1 tsp salt
6g
8 oz whole-wheat pasta
230g

Instructions:

1. Cook the Lentils:
- Rinse 1 cup of lentils under cold water.
- In a medium pot, add the lentils and cover with water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Whole-Wheat Pasta:
- Cook 8 oz of whole-wheat pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped mushrooms and diced carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
4. Combine and Simmer:
- Add the cooked lentils to the skillet.
- Pour in 2 cups of tomato sauce.
- Stir in the chopped olives and 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
- Add the sunflower seeds, giving the sauce a slight crunch.
- Pour in 1/4 cup of almond milk to add a touch of creaminess.
- Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Finish the Sauce:
- Just before serving, stir in 1.33 cups of chopped basil leaves and 1/3 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the sauce for added richness.
6. Serve:
- Spoon the vegan bolognese sauce over the cooked whole-wheat pasta.
- Garnish with additional chopped basil or parsley if desired.
7. Enjoy:
- Serve warm and enjoy your delicious and hearty vegan bolognese with family and friends!

Tips:

- Use green or brown lentils for a better texture as they hold their shape better than red lentils.

- Finely chop the mushrooms to mimic the texture of ground meat in traditional bolognese sauce.

- Toast the sunflower seeds lightly before adding them to the sauce to enhance their nutty flavor.

- For a creamier sauce, blend the almond milk with the tomato sauce before adding it to the mixture.

- Add the chili powder gradually and taste as you go to adjust the spiciness to your preference.

- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the consistency of the bolognese sauce if it becomes too thick.

- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, zesty finish.

Enjoy your Vegan Bolognese with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of whole-wheat pasta for a wholesome, satisfying meal. This dish not only offers a rich and savory taste but also supports a healthy, plant-based lifestyle. Share this delightful recipe with family and friends for a culinary experience that everyone can appreciate.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size250 grams
Energy
Calories 260kcal10%
Protein
Protein 13g9%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 44g13%
Fiber 9g23%
Sugar 7g7%
Fat
Fat 12g14%
Saturated 1.64g5%
Cholesterol 0.00mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 310ug35%
Choline 55mg10%
Vitamin B1 0.41mg34%
Vitamin B2 0.27mg21%
Vitamin B3 4.20mg26%
Vitamin B6 0.45mg27%
Vitamin B9 200ug50%
Vitamin B12 0.04ug2%
Vitamin C 16mg17%
Vitamin E 3.99mg27%
Vitamin K 70ug58%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 80mg6%
Copper, Cu 0.63mg0%
Iron, Fe 4.87mg44%
Magnesium, Mg 70mg16%
Phosphorus, P 260mg21%
Potassium, K 770mg23%
Selenium, Se 22ug39%
Sodium, Na 900mg60%
Zinc, Zn 2.33mg21%
Water
Water 180g-
* 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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