Spicy Lentil Bolognese (members only)
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This Spicy Lentil Bolognese is a simple, protein-packed pasta sauce that is simple to make and super delicious!
When I was coming up with this recipe I channeled my inner Bobby Flay – because if you watch any of his shows you know he lovesssss Calabrian chiles! Not only do they add a kick to a recipe, they also have a great flavor. They’re also not overly spicy, so they are perfect when you want some heat, but not too much. And that’s exactly what you get in this Spicy Lentil Bolognese, the perfect amount of spice. This sauce is simple to make with so much flavor!
here’s what you need
ingredients
- oil
- yellow onion
- garlic
- tomato paste
- Calabrian chili paste
- Italian seasoning
- salt & pepper
- crushed tomatoes
- marinara
- cooked lentils
- fresh basil
equipment
Grab your favorite stock pot!
steps
step 1: make the sauce
There really aren’t too many steps to this recipe. We’re making the sauce and then we’re eating the sauce. The best kind of recipe!
Heat the oil in a stock pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, tomato paste, Calabrian chili paste and dry seasonings. Cook down for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, marinara and cooked lentils – add a little bit of water as needed to thin. Stir and bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes.
step 2: serve
When the sauce is close to being done, cook up your favorite pasta. I prefer a short fat noodle or a long flat noodle. Something that the sauce can stick to.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed and then add in some hand torn basil.
Toss the sauce and pasta and dig in – vegan parmesan is optional but delicious!
tips & tricks
The amount of Calabrian chili paste to use is totally up to you. I used 2 tablespoons because I lOVE heat. If you are sensitive to heat, start with 1 teaspoon and add more to your taste!
I used steamed brown lentils from Trader Joe’s. You could also use canned lentils or cook some lentils from scratch and add them to the sauce.
The longer this sauce simmers the better. So, if you have the time, let it go all day on low heat!
need more recipe inspo? check these out:
Spicy Lentil Bolognese
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil I used avocado oil
- 1/2 yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Calabrian chili paste see notes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 28-ounce jar crushed tomatoes
- 1 28-ounce jar marinara
- 2.5 cups cooked lentils
- fresh basil
Equipment
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a stock pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, tomato paste, Calabrian chili paste and dry seasonings. Cook down for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, marinara and cooked lentils – add a little bit of water as needed to thin. Stir and bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add in some hand torn basil. Serve over your favorite pasta.
Notes
- The amount of Calabrian chili paste to use is totally up to you. I used 2 tablespoons because I lOVE heat. If you are sensitive to heat, start with 1 teaspoon and add more to your taste!
- I used steamed brown lentils from Trader Joe’s. You could also use canned lentils or cook some lentils from scratch and add them to the sauce.
- The longer this sauce simmers the better. So, if you have the time, let it go all day on low heat!
