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Lentil Bolognese

This high-protein lentil bolognese is a sophisticated twist on a classic family favourite, offering a hearty and savoury alternative to traditional meat-based sauces. By using earthy lentils and a touch of harissa paste for depth, this dish delivers a rich, complex flavour that pairs beautifully with any pasta shape. The addition of a little pancetta adds a wonderful saltiness, though it can easily be omitted for a completely plant-based meal that doesn't compromise on texture or satisfaction.

Perfect for a nutritious midweek dinner, this comforting recipe is packed with fibre and plant-based protein, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a healthy, balanced meal. The sauce can be prepared up to five days in advance, making it a fantastic option for batch cooking or meal prep. Serve it in shallow bowls with a dusting of salty Parmesan for a simple yet elevated evening meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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Ingredients for Lentil Bolognese

  • 2 colheres de sopa de azeite de oliva extra-virgem

  • 60g bacon or pancetta (Italian bacon), finely chopped (optional)

  • 1 cebola grande, finamente picada

  • 4 dentes de alho, finamente picados

  • 2 tablespoons harissa paste or tomato paste

  • 120ml red wine or dry white wine

  • 1 (800g) can whole peeled or diced tomatoes

  • 350g Big-Batch Marinated Lentils, divided

  • Sal kosher, pimenta moída na hora

  • 450g dried pasta (any kind)

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

  • Finely grated Parmesan, (for serving

  • opcional)

Heat oil and bacon (if using) in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium, stirring, until bacon starts to sizzle, about 1 minute. Add onion and garlic and cook until onion is translucent, 5–8 minutes. Add harissa paste and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly darkened in colour, about 5 minutes. Add wine and cook, scraping up browned bits and stirring occasionally, until wine is reduced by half, about 3 minutes.

If using whole tomatoes, use kitchen shears or a pairing knife to burst each in the can (this will prevent juice from squirting on your shirt when you crush them). Add to pot, crushing with your hands as you go; add any juices remaining in can. If using diced tomatoes, add directly to pot along with juices. Stir to combine, then fill can almost to the top with water and pour into pot, swirling to get all the extra tomato juices out of the can. Bring sauce to a boil over medium heat.

Set aside 120ml lentils for serving. Add remaining lentils to sauce. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly and flavours come together, 25–30 minutes. Remove from heat and purée sauce with an immersion blender until almost smooth in some places but chunky in others. (Alternatively, purée half of sauce in a blender until almost smooth, then stir back into sauce in pot.) Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until not quite al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions.

Using a spider or tongs, transfer pasta to sauce and add butter and 120ml pasta cooking liquid. Cook, stirring constantly and adding more pasta cooking liquid if needed, until sauce thickens enough to coat pasta and pasta looks glossy, about 1 minute.

Divide pasta among shallow bowls and top with reserved lentils and Parmesan (if using).

Do ahead: Sauce can be made 5 days ahead. Let cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Cover and chill, or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat, adding a little water to thin if needed, before serving.

Aviso Legal

Embora todos os esforços tenham sido feitos para garantir que as informações sejam precisas e atualizadas, as necessidades individuais podem variar e os requisitos dietéticos podem diferir com base nas condições de saúde pessoais. Sempre verifique os rótulos dos alimentos e as informações sobre alérgenos antes de preparar ou consumir qualquer receita. Se você tiver preocupações específicas de saúde, alergias, intolerâncias ou estiver seguindo uma dieta prescrita por um médico, procure orientação do seu médico, farmacêutico ou de um nutricionista registrado antes de fazer mudanças significativas na sua dieta ou estilo de vida.

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  • 28 Jan 2026 | Publicado originalmente

    Escrito por:

    Editores de receitas do Reino Unido

    Revisado por

    Editores de receitas do Reino Unido
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