As winter settles in, the kitchen leans into heartier meals. This month’s Made With Mettā recipe, Brown Lentil Bolognese Sauce, brings together lentils, vegetables, herbs, and tomatoes in a rich, comforting sauce that’s perfect for sharing around the table.
Brown Lentil Bolognese Sauce
Serves: 6 Prep: 25–30 minutes Simmer: 60–75 minutes Total: About 1½ hours
Ingredients
For the lentils
• 1 cup brown lentils
• 2½ cups water
• ½ cup vegetable broth (or water)
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 bay leaves
For the sauce
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup walnuts or pecans, finely chopped (omit if allergic)
• 6 oz tomato paste
• ½ tsp dried sage
• ½ tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (28 oz) can diced plum tomatoes
• Salt, to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper, or to taste
• 12–16 oz pasta (or polenta)
• Fresh flat-leaf parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Check lentils for stones, then rinse.
2. In a medium pot, combine lentils, water, vegetable broth, salt, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Cover with the lid slightly ajar and simmer, stirring occasionally, until lentils are soft but still hold their shape, about 25–30 minutes. Do not drain.
4. While the lentils are simmering, prepare the carrots, celery, and onion.
5. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pan.
6. Add carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté 5–6 minutes.
7. If using walnuts or pecans, add and stir for 1 minute.
8. Add tomato paste, cooked lentils with their cooking liquid, sage, rosemary, basil, oregano, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
9. Add tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 30–45 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
10. While the sauce simmers, prepare pasta or polenta according to package directions.
11. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce thickens too much, add water or vegetable broth a little at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.
