Lentil Bolognese sauce

Lentil Bolognese is a hearty, plant-based twist on the classic Italian ragù, traditionally made with ground meat. This version uses lentils as the star ingredient, simmered with a rich tomato base, onions, carrots, celery, and a blend of Italian herbs. It's a comforting and versatile sauce, perfect for tossing with pasta, layering in lasagna, or serving over polenta.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is a good source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber from the lentils, making it more filling and nutritionally balanced than a standard meat sauce. A typical serving (about 1.5 cups of sauce) would be moderate in calories, likely in the 250-350 calorie range, depending on the amount of oil used.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	220 kcal
Protein	12.5 g
Carbs	32 g
Fat	4.5 g
Fiber	10 g
Sugar	6 g
Sodium	480 mg
Potassium	650 mg
Iron	4.5 mg
Folate	180 mcg
Magnesium	60 mg
Phosphorus	190 mg
Zinc	2.0 mg
Vitamin C	12 mg
Vitamin A	850 IU

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Nutritionally, it's a standout for providing a complete protein profile when paired with pasta, while being naturally low in saturated fat. Culturally, it represents the modern evolution of Italian 'cucina povera' (peasant cooking), which emphasizes simple, affordable, and nourishing ingredients.