Lentil Bolognese sauce.
My family may disown me for this one.
My husband is Bolognese.
And my mother-in-law lives in Bologna.
And when I visit (despite my mostly plant-based lifestyle) I manage to eat my fair share of ragù. Typically, Americans call ragù, meat sauce. The two are meant to be the same thing, but they aren’t.
Traditional ragù is mainly meat, with just a tiny touch of tomato. The Bolognese sauce most people are familiar with is generally characterized as being a red sauce with meat in it. This mushroom lentil Bolognese sauce doesn’t actually contain either of the defining characteristics of a traditional ragù, but it does have a wonderful texture consistent with the meat sauce most of us know. And that counts for a lot.
I’ve been wanting to put a vegan Bolognese sauce on my blog for years. But I’ve always been too nervous to know what my Bolognese family might think. They’re quite judgmental. And by that I mean they’re very particular about their food and Italian culture. As they should be.
When Angela’s new book, Oh She Glows Every Day arrived on my doorstep containing a hearty vegan Bolognese recipe inside, I was like, yeah now is the time. Because I can count on Angela. She is the queen of plant-based blogging, after all.
A few things about the tagliatelle bolognese recipe! It contains mushrooms. A secret about me, I really dislike mushrooms. You won’t find a single recipe on my website that uses them, until now. I’m sorry, mushroom lovers. I’ve tried and tried but I just can’t get into them, until now. They make this lentil Bolognese sauce texture just right.
Plant-based protein like lentils (used here) gives it a good base layer, but it needs another component to build the right mouth feel. And minced mushrooms does just that. And although Angela’s recipe has a twist of tahini in it, which sounds like it’d provide some wonderful nutty undertones, I chose to forgo it keeping the sauce as authentic as possible.
A few things about this book. It is new, and it is fantastic. Oh She Glows Every Day is a hearty collection of simple, straight-forward staples for any anyone living a plant-based life. And I’m giving one away to one of you. Leave me a comment below—what vegetable is hard for you to get behind? Or do you love them all? I will choose a winner at random on September 19 at noon Central, and notify them by email. Sorry folks, the book will be sent to a United States shipping address only.
Lentil Bolognese Sauce with Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced small
- 3 - 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup mushrooms minced
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes unsalted + unseasoned
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- sea salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 pound [url]tagliatelle∞http://amzn.to/2xTJ6LP[/url]
- crushed red pepper flakes optional
- fresh parsley optional
- [url]herby oregano 'parm'∞http://withfoodandlove.com/oil-cured-black-olive-smashed-garlic-pizza-vegan-parm/[/url] optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Cook pasta according to the box instructions, drain and set aside until the sauce is ready.
- In a large sauce pot heat the olive oil over low heat and add in the onion and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in the mushrooms, season with a pinch of salt and pepper and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Add the spices and crushed tomatoes and stir. Bring the mixture to a simmer and add in the lentils. Simmer for another minute or two and remove from the heat and portion over pasta.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper, parsley and parm if you desire.
(This giveaway is closed.)
Thanks to the folks at Avery Publishing for gifting me an advance copy of Oh She Glows Every Day!
More easy Italian recipes you’ll love:
- Easy Braised Artichokes with Lemon and Macadamia Nut Oil
- One-Pot Spring Pasta Salad with Dill and Lemony Vinaigrette
- Creamy Polenta with Crispy Beets and Dill Pistachio Pesto
- No-Stir Risotto with Herbed Caramelized Carrots
- Celery Salad with Parmigiano-Reggiano and Walnuts
Dana S says
It’s hard for me to think of a veg I don’t love! I don’t like celery in juice or smoothies if that counts!
Li Z says
I’m not a fan of raw anise or celery.
Christine Pfaff says
I just can’t do beets. I tried juicing with theme but if I want a purple veggie I will stick with red cabbage. No borscht for this girl!
Catherine Herbst says
Broccoli – I wish I could!
Kat says
It’s hard to like bitter melon for me. I tried many ways to love, but all have failed…so far.
Nathalie says
Arugula is a difficult one for me.
Alex Blee says
I can’t stand eggplant as hard as I try. It comes in my CSA produce share every summer.
Jackie says
Since I had a CSA for a few years, I’ve learned to love a lot of veggies I didn’t before. Like radish, turnip, and even beets – which I can’t imagine not liking now!
Tracy Carter says
Slimmy okra, however I have learned to prepare it (slimeless) and its delish.
Krissie says
A vegetable I am not found of? Perhaps, radishes. Especially radish sprouts! One time I thought I bought pea sprouts and yeah, found that out the hard way.
Charlene says
There are still lots of vegetables I haven’t tried (the more unusual ones like kohlrabi and rutabaga) so I don’t know if I’ll like those or not. Otherwise I’ve loved all the veggies I’ve eaten so far!
Frances says
Green beans. I guess it’s the little kid inside me, but whenever I’m presented with green beans I can’t make myself eat them!
Becky says
This looks amazing! Beautiful pics. I love lentils and love how mushrooms add a meaty flavor to sauces and stews. I follow Oh She Glows in instagram and drool over her food…this book is on my holiday list!
The vegetable I can’t love is eggplant. I want to, I’ve made things with it, I’m extremely intrigued by it’s purply gorgeousness at farmers markets, but it just creeps me out. Very glad to see I’m not the only one!
Sharon says
Do beets count as a vegetable? I just can’t do beets.
Sophie says
I think your family would be proud of this ragu, it’s beyond stunning!!! I used to hate mushrooms until I was probably 19. Lol, my parents even paid me to eat them as a child.
Candice says
Can’t get behind slimy okra. Nope.
Niki Helley Ward says
So far, I have not met a vegetable that I don’t like!
I’m looking forward to trying this recipe – looks amazing!
John Rokas says
I’m not a big fan of root vegetables, except for potatoes.
Nickie says
I love every single one that I have ever tried…no matter how they are cooked, or raw in many cases! I have learned so much from the new cooks about vegetables and the varied ways to cook them. You are awesome!
Elizabeth W says
I try to like eggplant but I just can’t!
Mapa says
I love them all, for a few years I couldn’t stand beetroot and now is one of my favourite vegetables.
LISA says
Looks amazing my dear. Lentil bolognese is such a crowd pleaser in my eye. xoxo
Maia says
As much as I want to like it, I could never snack on celery. But this looks delish! I would love a copy of Angela’s new book!
Sj Dc says
This draws collective gasps but I just cannot get behind the potato! I love the skins but it’s just something about its texture and taste that I just can’t stomach. What’s even stranger is that I love sweet potatoes!!!
Carol says
I really dislike brussell sprouts! That attitude has softened just a bit as I used to hate kale, but now love it. So, you never know. Tastes can change in adulthood. I am willing to be pleasantly surprised.
gael clauson says
Ever since my mom used to cut up big chunks of green peppers in her tomato sauce, I have not been able to cook or eat them! Red peppers, good. Green peppers, YUCK!
Ashley Chew says
For me it’s celery. It just tastes like dirty water. And you usually can’t buy just one stick you have to get a huge bundle of it! If a recipe calls for it I will either leave it out or try to use very little. But, I can guarantee you will never see me ruining perfectly good peanut butter by spreading it on celery.
Johanna Woodbury says
I’ve never had a meat-based bolognese, but I’m sure it’s delicious if you eat meat. I’ve never really found myself not able to get behind a vegetable, but I’ve never made or been attracted to okra.
kristina Salutsky says
My problem is okra – yuck! Learning to use more veggies and less meat in my diet, so your recipes are amazing. They help make the veggies delicious. Thank you, Kris.
Deanne says
The texture of collards just doesn’t do it for me.
Nancy silver says
I love this non-meat based sauce idea for veggie and non veggie eaters. So many mushroom possibilities. I can’t think of many vegetables I won’t eat but not a huge artichoke fan. Thanks for the new creations!
ali says
Fennel is just a tough one or me. I’m not a licorice fan, but I keep trying :)
sarah says
I just can’t do okra.
Chelsea says
I am the worst with squash. There is just something about it that’s just not right!
Kir says
I wish I liked eggplant. There are so many great recipes using it but I just can’t do it.
Tara says
It’s always been hard for me to get behind fennel but I recently had some grilled fennel and loved it so I may be warming up to the idea!
Emily says
Eggplant. It makes me sad to say that because I want to like it so badly – its so pretty! Every time I get it in my CSA I try to put it to use in a new recipe but, alas, I just never love it the way I want to.
Amanda says
I can’t get into green beans, even though I’ve tried!
Yfat says
No fresh tomatoes! Love ketchup, love tomato sauces, but fresh I just cannot do.
Ashley Mauceri says
Fennel! I just can’t get into it. Thanks for the chance to win!
Brian @ A Thought For Food says
Oh that bowl looks so perfect! What a recipe!
There are few foods that I don’t enjoy. Seriously, I have trouble thinking of one. I guess green peppers never really excite me (though charred on the grill isn’t a bad way to serve them).
Heidi says
Purslane in my CSA. Tried it, didn’t like it. Thank goodness that was the last time it made an appearance.
Lyn Mackay says
I just can not do beets, have tried them a few ways and just not a fan at all.
Jamie says
There is only one veggie for me that I can’t get into – eggplant. No matter the amount of cheese or how it’s doctored up, I avoid it at all cost. All other veg is fair game, including mushrooms. This recipe looks awesome and so does the cookbook!
Rebecca says
Avocados. I’ll take them (grudgingly) in small amounts, not often. But I’ve tried for years to like them and nothing has changed.
shawneen says
I can’t really get behind green beans either, even though I tend to get handfuls of them in my CSA. I guess I’ll just have to learn to love them (or pass them off to someone who already does).
Danielle says
Eeek! I’d love to have her cookbook! I’ve been anxiously awaiting the publication for a while. I love her site and her recipes are always delicious! The only vegetable I can think of that I don’t particularly love is turnips.
Allison says
I also have a hard time with mushrooms! But, I think I could get behind them if they were diced small, too :) So excited to check out this book!
Sherrie says
Allison it is a TOTAL game changer! :)
Sherrie says
Wow Rebecca! Srsly you don’t like avocados?! I’m sure you’ve never heard that reaction before. More for me ;)
Sherrie says
Ashley have you ever had fennel roasted? Mmm it’s my favorite – totally transforms!
Sherrie says
Yes, grilled or roasted fennel is SO GOOD!
Sherrie says
Oh try it roasted, it’s so good!
Mary Beth says
Love all veggies, but my husband hates many of them, but especially mushrooms, so might sneak this one in to see how he responds.
Harper says
I am pretty equal opportunity when it comes to vegetables, but I can’t really get into beets.
Heather Elizabeth says
I just can’t do raw onions unless they are in a salsa. Go figure!
Elizabeth says
This sounds delicious! I love mushrooms, so the more, the better. :-) I have a hard time with beets. I’ve finally come around to the golden kind when they are roasted (much more mild), but I still really struggle with the red ones. This book looks fantastic! Oh She Glows is consistently awesome!
Dana says
Honestly, its the eggplant. I want to love it, and often do in restaurants, but just can’t seem to make it work at home. It’s the texture I can’t get right.
Nicole says
Excited to try this recipe! Personally I’ve tried to get on board with peas bur can’t! It’s the one vegetable I always omit if I see it listed.
Sherrie says
Thank you Sophie, you are THE sweetest. xx
HS says
I would say arugula.
Shoshana Rose says
I am a vegetable loving vegetarian but for some reason I can’t get into portabello mushrooms. I feel like they are an easy cop out for restaurants or people who want to provide a meatless alternative to a burger.
Danielle says
I really dislike the taste of cilantro or parsley in my green smoothies even though they are so detoxifying!
Kerry says
I am not a huge fan of beets, though I would really like to like them! I made a soup with them one time that my boyfriend loved, but something about the texture and the earthy taste didn’t agree with me. Would love to give them another shot!
Amanda Bustos says
I heart most veggies but fennel is a difficult one for me because of its licorice undertones. And I hate black licorice :(
Sarah says
Swiss chard!
Thia says
Sherrie, this Bolognese looks so good! Thanks for your “more traditional” version, without the tahini, for a variation to include in my explorations!
I love MOST veggies, but there’s just something about the okra slime that I simply cannot get past!!! I have a friend in North Carolina who made a fried okra, chopped small and lightly coated with coarse corn meal that I actually enjoyed. But any other time I’ve tried it, ooh… darn it…
Starla says
That pasta looks delicious and what a gorgeous book! I need! I have never been able to like tomatoes one bit. I don’t think it will ever change! I only can eat them in salsas or soups!
Chely C. says
Recently, I can’t tolerate eggplant. I’ve become quite ill after eating it. And it’s a shame, since I used to love it.
Sarah says
I want to like eggplant so badly.
Jenny says
This looks absolutely amazing. My husband has a lifelong aversion to lentils, but I feel like this might entice him to at least give them a try! My very favorite vegetable is brussels sprouts — roasted, always — which I think would be a perfect accompaniment to this dish!
Sarah @ Snixy Kitchen says
You have no idea how much my stomach is grumbling for this right now. The mushrooms feel like the perfect hearty “meat” for the sauce. I am so impressed by Angela’s ability to get you to eat ‘shrooms! I love all vegetables except…cilantro. (Is that a vegetable?)
Ashley says
I really enjoy variety in my foods so I love them all. Yay veggies! I am so looking forward to Angela’s second book. I use her first all of the time.
Andrea Lotempio says
Love it all! Sounds like a great way to use vegetables – for this coming winter and beyond. Yum!!
Molly says
Rutabaga is the only vegetable I don’t like. I adore mushrooms, so this Bolognese looks perfect!
Jessie Snyder | Faring Well says
I love the texture of lentils, it gives recipes that hearty taste that is tough to replicate is sauces like this! Gorgeously photographed here Sherrie, you are making me want to curl up with a plate of this as we speak. Enjoy this gorgeous book, I’m mega in love with Angela’s work too – and this book is no exception.
ps. Loved that little factoid about your hubs! What a neat place to be from, and his family’s probably full of mouth watering Italian recipes too I’m sure!
Julia says
Radicchio. So pretty, but I don’t like its bitterness.
Shannon says
I had broccoli at work every day since it was the only steamed veg in our salad bar. Now its hard for me to eat it. Maybe if I take a break from it for lunch for a while we can be friends again.
Em says
I’m mildly infatuated with that photo of the sauce and the pasta sharing the pan. And how gorgeous is that book! Can’t wait to get my hands on it. <3
Lindsay says
Cucumber – just why?
Nina Olsson - Nourish Atelier says
I’m such a fan of lentil Bolognese. It’s the plant-based family meal number one in my opinion. And Angelas book is a must have, I didn’t order it yet, but I sure will. You make it look so good too!
amanda paa says
Sneaking in those mushrooms, ya girl! I love how the lentils pack the protein, and the tomatoes bring the classic flavors. Sounds so delicious. And I think you should try it on your Bolognese family! xo
jacquie says
This looks great! I love both lentils and mushrooms. I would love to win this book.
Kristen M says
Yum! This recipe looks great. I love most vegetables. Sweet potatoes are my favorite and lately I’ve been craving beets. Mushrooms are one food that I didn’t get on board with until college. The only vegetable I’ve turned my nose up on in recent years was purslane. My CSA would often tuck in in their box, but it was too hard for me to get excited about a vegetable that was also a rampant weed in my backyard!
Linda says
Okra, I can’t seem to prepare it right. I do like it when other people cook it though.
Kathy says
I don’t think there are any vegetables I don’t like when they are prepared right! That being said, I screw up eggplant a lot!
Jordan says
I like most vegetables, but can only handle fennel in small amounts.
Mary says
I have trouble eating okra. Would love to win this book.
Lexy P says
I love all vegetables! When I was a kid I couldn’t get behind eggplant. Now, as an adult, I love it. Especially in Indian cooking or in this vegetarian chili I make. So meaty and flavorful. I think I know what I’m making this weekend – haha.
Liz says
Parsnips and butter lettuce have weird textures for me. I enjoy the flavor though!
Sandy Rinks says
I tried okra once and never went back. I love everything else. Eggplant and mushrooms are my favorites.
Christine Bennett says
Hi! I love Angela’s books and your blog. I avoid recipes calling for fennel – and they seem to be trending in lots of cookbooks/blogs! I admit I haven’t tried actually cooking with fennel root, I just think I don’t like the flavor. Maybe I should try it once then I’ll know for sure. I love so many other fruits and veggies, though, that I never get bored. Thanks!
Tori says
Tomatoes. I used to love them as a kid, but now there’s too sweet, and I don’t like the slimy seeds.
Sherrie says
Christine roasted fennel is one of my favorite things! The flavors of the fennel really develop, and deepen and change in the oven. Try this one, I think you’ll be very pleasantly surprised!
Tricia says
It would be eggplant for me! Too oily and mushy.
Elise Kerr says
I’m not a huge fan of eggplant. I don’t like the consistency or its skin.
Bianca T says
Celery! Yuck. Also not a fan of cooked peas, but I love snacking on them frozen.
Jo says
Eeeeek kohlrabi! Someone help a sista out and help me appreciate it. It seems like aaaall the hip food bloggers are doing crazy things with it but it’s just not my thing!
Katie says
I don’t love zucchini or eggplant!
Lolly says
I really try to like brussel sprouts, and the recipes I see look delish, but I just can’t wrap my taste buds around them. Maybe one day? Keeping fingers, toes, and paws crossed over here.
Hayley says
I never met a vegetable I didn’t love! It’s all about how you prepare them- even the ones most people hate can be made delicious, at least in my experience.
Dana O says
I would have to say artichokes. I have no idea what they taste like nor how to prepare one.
Sophie says
I hate olives of any kind. It’s so sad! I hate disliking food.
Michelle says
This Bolognese sauce is the recipe I’ve been waiting for. I can’t wait to try it! I really love pretty much all vegetables but, I don’t know what to do with okra.
Anna C says
I love most vegetables, but I am not a big fan of asparagus. I don’t mind it grilled.
Megan says
Peas. It has always been peas. Eggplant? Awesome. Zucchini? Delicious. Peas? No thank you.
DeMerse says
I like red, orange and yellow peppers but can’t stand the flavor of green peppers.
Emma says
Raw onions. Love the taste as I’m eating them but not hours later, on top of dessert!
Rachel says
I struggle with eating as much greens as I should. I’m good with kale but can’t really get behind Swiss chard or mustard greens. Thank you for the chance to win Angela’s beautiful new book!!
Natalia M says
I almost laughed when I read about you hating mushrooms, I’m the same way! Everyone is always shocked that I’m a vegan who hates mushrooms, in the vegan/vegetarian world they’re such a common ingredient. I will have to give this bolognese a try to see if I can tolerate the mushrooms. Like you, I’ve tried and tried countless times, and I just can’t get them down. Olives are next on the most hated list. Besides the two, I love all other plants.
Marsha Gainey says
Delicious! Very hearty and substantial. I used all the optional ingredients except I used conventional parm as well as tagliatelle that wasn’t gluten-free. I’m a solo cook, so this recipe made a lot and gave me a lot of leftovers, another plus.