Instant Pot Lentil Bolognese Sauce: A Hearty, Plant-Based Twist on a Classic

Introduction

When you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal but want to keep it plant-based, look no further than Instant Pot Lentil Bolognese Sauce. This recipe offers a satisfying twist on the traditional meat-based Bolognese sauce by swapping in nutritious lentils. Not only is this sauce packed with plant-based protein, but it’s also rich in flavor and super easy to make, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot.

Whether you’re looking for a vegan alternative to the classic Italian pasta sauce or simply want to try something new, this Lentil Bolognese has got you covered. The Instant Pot’s quick-cooking feature means you can prepare this dish in about 30 minutes, cutting down the hours of simmering you’d normally spend on traditional Bolognese. And because lentils have a meat-like texture when cooked, they make an ideal replacement for ground beef or pork, without sacrificing flavor or depth.

In this recipe, hearty lentils are simmered in a tomato-based sauce with a blend of aromatic vegetables, garlic, and herbs, giving you a rich, savory sauce that’s perfect for pasta. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s surprisingly nutritious, gluten-free, and vegan, without missing out on any of the delicious flavors you love in a classic Bolognese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Thanks to the Instant Pot, this recipe can be made in just 30 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful Bolognese without hours of slow cooking.
2. Healthy and Nutritious: Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, making this dish satisfying and filling without the heaviness of meat.
3. Flavorful: With the depth of tomato, garlic, onions, carrots, celery, and a touch of red wine, this sauce is as rich and savory as the traditional version.
4. Vegan and Gluten-Free: This Lentil Bolognese sauce is perfect for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets, so everyone can enjoy it.
5. Meal Prep Friendly: This sauce can be made in large batches and stored for easy, reheatable meals during the week.
6. Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasoning, add different vegetables, or swap the lentils for another type of legume, making this dish perfect for your taste preferences.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 30 minutes (10 minutes prep, 20 minutes cook)
Servings: Serves 6-8
Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 240
Protein: 14g
Carbs: 40g
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 14g
Sugar: 8g

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils: Lentils are the heart of this Bolognese, providing a meaty texture and a good amount of plant-based protein.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and enhancing the flavor of the sauce.
• 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced: For a touch of sweetness and earthy flavor.
• 2 celery stalks, diced: Contributes a savory, slightly peppery flavor.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant, savory base for the sauce.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes: The rich base of your sauce, adding acidity and body.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
• 1 cup red wine (optional but recommended): Adds depth and complexity to the sauce. If you prefer to skip the wine, you can substitute vegetable broth or water.
• 1 ½ cups vegetable broth: For the liquid base of the sauce and to help cook the lentils.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a classic Italian flavor to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Complements the oregano and gives the sauce a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• 1 bay leaf: Adds depth and fragrance to the sauce as it cooks.
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste): For seasoning the sauce and balancing the flavors.
• Freshly ground black pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity and sweetness, rounding out the flavors of the sauce.
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish: Optional but adds a fresh pop of color and flavor to the final dish.
• Pasta of choice (spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni): For serving the Bolognese sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by turning your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil and let it heat up for a minute. Then add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften and the onions turn translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Deglaze the Pot

Once the vegetables are softened, pour in the red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot. Scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. This helps to infuse the sauce with rich flavor.

Step 3: Add the Lentils and Liquid

Add the dried lentils, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, bay leaf, and salt and pepper to the Instant Pot. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Cook the Sauce

Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cancel the sauté function and select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function. Set the cook time for 15 minutes on high pressure. Once the cook time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Stir and Adjust the Seasoning

Open the lid and give the sauce a good stir. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for additional acidity and depth.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve the lentil Bolognese sauce over your favorite cooked pasta. Sprinkle with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for garnish. If desired, top with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or vegan Parmesan.

How to Serve

This Instant Pot Lentil Bolognese Sauce is delicious on a variety of pastas, but it can also be used in different ways to make it a versatile addition to your meal planning.

• With pasta: The classic way to serve this sauce is with a hearty pasta like spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni. It pairs perfectly with these pasta shapes because the lentil sauce clings to each noodle.
• Over zucchini noodles: For a low-carb, gluten-free option, serve the Bolognese over spiralized zucchini noodles.
• With roasted vegetables: Pair the sauce with roasted vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, or zucchini for a veggie-packed, low-carb option.
• In lasagna: Use this lentil Bolognese sauce in a vegan lasagna for a comforting, plant-based version of the classic.
• With crusty bread: Serve the sauce with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping into the rich sauce.

Recipe Variations

Vegan Version: The recipe is already vegan, but if you want to add a little extra richness, you can stir in some cashew cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking for a creamier texture.

Spicy Version: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers to the sauce for a spicy kick. Adjust the level of heat to your preference.

Meat-Based Option: If you’re not following a plant-based diet but want to include meat, you can add browned ground turkey, beef, or sausage to the sautéed vegetables before pressure cooking.

Lighter Version: For a lighter sauce, you can reduce the amount of oil used for sautéing the vegetables, or opt for a vegetable broth-based sauce without the addition of wine. You can also replace some of the lentils with chopped mushrooms for a more “meaty” texture.

Extra Veggie-Packed Version: Add in some extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers along with the carrots and celery to boost the nutrition and flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: This lentil Bolognese sauce stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Freezing: You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready to reheat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm it up in a saucepan on the stove.

Reheating: To reheat, place the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water if needed. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Lentil Bolognese Sauce is a wonderfully hearty, plant-based alternative to traditional meat-based Bolognese sauce. The rich, savory flavors of tomatoes, garlic, onions, and lentils come together effortlessly, thanks to the Instant Pot. This recipe is not only quick and easy but also offers a nutritious meal that can be enjoyed by vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike. With its deep umami flavor, the lentils mimic the texture of ground meat, making this sauce satisfyingly hearty. You can easily customize it with extra vegetables, spices, or herbs to suit your taste.

Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this Lentil Bolognese Sauce offers convenience and versatility. It’s a perfect dish for busy nights, and with the Instant Pot, you can have a comforting, flavorful meal on the table in no time. This recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a healthy, plant-based alternative to traditional Bolognese. Once you try it, you may just find yourself making it again and again, as it quickly becomes a staple in your dinner rotation.

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