Easy Lentil Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese is a rich, filling dish that fully embodies the phrase comfort food. My updated version is healthier and has every bit of the flavor with no animal products or added fat. It also fits perfectly in the Eats on the Cheap category, coming in at $1.00 per serving. I started working on this series recently because I hope to teach people that it is possible to eat a healthy, delicious plant-based diet on a budget.

bolognese_ingredients

 

For my Easy Lentil Bolognese, I shopped at my local Kroger store. Because I wanted to make this dish on the cheap, I compared prices and looked to store brands, which help to keep costs as low as possible.

This recipe makes four dinner-size portions that are sure to satisfy any appetite. It doesn’t require any special skills or extensive cooking knowledge, and it doesn’t take a lot of hands-on time, either.

 

 

bolognese_600

Easy Lentil Bolognese

YIELD: 4 dinner portions

  • 1 small onion, minced
  • 1 rib celery, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped or grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small 6 oz. can tomato paste
  • 1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup dried brown lentils
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 Tablespoon basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 16 oz package spaghetti
  • salt and pepper (to taste)
  1. In a nonstick skillet set to medium-high heat, sauté onion, celery, and carrots in water for 5-10 minutes, until tender. Add water 1 Tablespoon at a time as necessary to keep the vegetables from browning too quickly.
  2. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute, then add tomato paste, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes and stir to combine.
  3. Add lentils, water, and seasonings and stir to combine. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, until lentils are tender. Add water as necessary to keep the lentils from sticking.
  4. Cook spaghetti according to package directions and divide into four portions. Top each serving with lentil bolognese, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

 

Nutritional Info

  • 712 calories
  • 17g fiber
  • 3g fat
  • 30g protein
  • 289% Vitamin A
  • 106% Iron
  • tons of B vitamins

One thought on “Easy Lentil Bolognese

  • August 11, 2017 at 4:10 am
    Permalink

    I can’t wait to try this!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Paul Arnold Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *