A Lentil Bolognese is a plant-forward take on a classic Italian sauce, built on slow cooking rather than shortcuts. Lentils have been a staple food for centuries, valued for their protein, fibre, and long shelf lives. World Pulses Day is the perfect moment to celebrate how humble lentils transform into a rich, comforting sauce that feeds both people and the planet, especially during cooler seasons when hearty meals matter most.
Heat olive oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and lightly translucent. Stir in the carrot and celery, allowing them to soften gently. This slow cooking creates the backbone of the sauce without browning the vegetables.
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Aromatic Build
Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and press it into the pan. Cooking the paste removes raw acidity and deepens its colour, helping the sauce develop a more rounded, savoury taste early on.
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Herb Blooming
Add oregano, basil, thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir continuously so the spices warm evenly. This step releases essential oils from the dried herbs, ensuring they flavour the sauce evenly rather than tasting flat later.
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Lentil Addition
Stir in the rinsed brown lentils, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable stock. Add the bay leaf and soy sauce, then mix thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, ensuring the lentils are fully submerged in liquid for even cooking.
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Slow Simmer
Reduce heat to low and partially cover the pan. Simmer slowly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. As the lentils cook, they soften and release starch, naturally thickening the sauce into a spoon-coating consistency.
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Balance and Finish
Add sugar and stir well to balance the tomato acidity. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Remove the bay leaf, stir in the finishing olive oil, and let the Bolognese rest briefly so flavours settle before serving.