Lentil Bolognese
A high-protein, gut-friendly twist on a classic favorite!
Prep Time
15 minutes
COOK Time
15 minutes
TOTAL Time
30 minutes

Lentil Bolognese
Lentil Bolognese Pasta is a hearty, plant-based twist on a classic dish, packed with protein, fiber, and rich flavors. Ready in under an hour, it’s a delicious and nourishing meal for any day of the week!
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 1 box chickpea pasta (specifically spaghetti noodles)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup fennel, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ¼ soaked, chopped walnuts
- 1 cup green lentils, soaked and cooked
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup parsley to garnish
Directions
- Soak 1 cup of red lentils in water for 30-60 minutes. While the lentils are soaking, prep the other ingredients: chop ½ cup fennel, ¼ cup sunflower seeds, and 1 cup tomatoes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped fennel and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fennel is lightly browned.
- Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until it darkens in color.
- Pour in ½ cup of water to deglaze the pan, stirring to combine. Then, add the soaked lentils, diced tomatoes, and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Stir everything together well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the sunflower seeds and chopped walnuts to the pan, and continue simmering for another 15-20 minutes until the lentils are tender but still al dente. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the chickpea pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a ladle of pasta water, then drain the pasta (do not rinse).
- Toss the hot cooked pasta with the bolognese sauce, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if necessary to coat the noodles evenly.
- Garnish with 1 tablespoon of chopped coriander (optional) and serve hot. Enjoy!