Vegan Red Lentil Bolognese

If you're looking for a pasta that is healthy and hearty, look no further than making a lovely Italian Bolognese sauce with lentils! Packed with protein and vegetables, this is one heart-healthy pasta that should be included in every vegan diet. 

This simple whole-food recipe makes a large vat of sauce, so it is perfect for family-cooking, batch cooking or an affordable meal for an at-home party. 

I created the Mind Body Soul Food blog, to give insight to the beauty of alternative health and wellness, and help people navigate the kitchen with simple and affordable whole-food dairy-free recipes. With the motto, "a lifestyle inspired by nature," my hope is to inspire people to connect to the heartiness of the land, the foods that come directly from nature. 

​Since America has this protein obsession, this recipe is packed with protein that doesn't use fake-meat crumble. 

Not only is protein important, but fiber iron and polyphenols are also important, which lentils are chocked full of! 

What people don't realize is that in today's new normal, wearing masks, specifically while exercising is not ideal long term, especially when breathing in your own metabolic waste and microbioms. Polyphenols in lentils are or aide in: antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, nephroprotective, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-obesity, hypolipidemic, and chemopreventive activities. 

​I believe if people respected human physiology as well as understood the power of nature, one would naturally adopt this type of eating more and refrain from the chronic junk-food eating culture. 

Vegan Red Lentil Bolognese 
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Serves 8-10

Ingredients:
2.5 tbsp olive oil
5 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 onion, diced
1 celery rib, diced
3 carrots, diced 
2 cups red lentil
2 cups vegetable broth 
1 6-oz. can tomato paste
1 8-oz. can tomato sauce
1 14.5 oz can diced tomato
1 cup crushed tomatoes (or used diced)
1 tsp Italian spices
1 bay leaf
1/8 tsp pepper 
​Pinch of salt

Directions: 
In a large pot, sauté the first five ingredients (vegetables in the oil) for 3-5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and fragrant. Next, add the tomato paste, and mix into the vegetables well. Next, add all the remaining ingredients and mix until well combined. 

​Simmer on medium-low heat with a lid on the pot until the lentils are edible, usually around 20 minutes of cooking. Serve over your favorite pasta! Enjoy!

Let's Connect! Check out my other pasta recipes below!! 

Vegan Creamed Corn Pasta

Vegan Garlicky Alfredo Pasta with Spinach

Vegan Creamy Garlic Butter Asparagus Orzo

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