Lentil Bolognese with Zucchini Noodles

This is classic comfort food with a lighter touch. Red lentils are a nutritional powerhouse, delivering a one-two punch of protein and fibre. Simmered down into a rich, saucy tomato base with the soul of a classic bolognese and served over steamed zucchini noodles, this dish delivers comfort without the heaviness. Perfect for a mid-week plant-based pasta night.

Before you start

• Cut the zucchini noodles to your desired length with kitchen scissors. No spiralizer? Make ribbons instead by running a vegetable peeler along the length of the zucchini. Prepare them in the oven the same way as zucchini spirals.

Lentil Bolognese Over Zucchini Noodles

The red lentil and tomato sauce has the soul of a classic bolognese and pairs perfectly with steamed zucchini noodles. It's classic comfort food with a lighter touch, and the perfect plant-based addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.

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Ingredients

Lentil Bolognese:

• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil plus more for garnish
• 1 ½ cups diced red onions
• 1 ¼ tsp salt plus more to taste
• 1 ½ cups thinly sliced celery
• 1 cup dry red lentils rinsed
• 1 cup water
• 2 398 mL cans diced tomatoes
• 1 cup roughly chopped basil plus more for garnish
• 2 tbsp minced drained capers
• 1 tbsp pressed garlic
• 1 ½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp chili flakes plus more to taste (optional)

Zucchini Noodles:

• 8 cups zucchini noodles about 4 medium zucchini
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• Fresh ground pepper and sea salt to taste

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line two large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
• In a medium pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add the red onions and 1 tsp of the salt; sauté for 3 minutes. Add the celery and sauté until the onions and celery are softened, about 3 minutes. Add the lentils and water and bring to a simmer, stirring. Reduce heat, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
• Stir in the tomatoes, basil, capers, garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, chili flakes and remaining salt. Simmer, uncovered, stirring often, until the lentils are tender, about 15 minutes. Season with more salt or chili flakes to taste.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss the zucchini noodles with the olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Arrange the noodles on the prepared pashto that they are lying flat (overlapping is ok). Place both pans in the oven and roast until the noodles are steaming and softened, about 5 minutes.
• Serve the noodles topped with the Lentil Bolognese, sprinkled with salt and chili flakes, if using. Garnish with additional olive oil and basil as desired.

Keyword Basil, celery, easy vegetarian pasta, hearty vegan meal, lentils, Plant Based, Red Lentils, vegan, vegetarian, zucchini

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