This classic vegan spaghetti with lentil sauce is a hearty, nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

• Spaghetti: 9 oz whole wheat spaghetti
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
• Onion: 1 medium onion, chopped
• Garlic: 1 clove, minced
• Carrot: 1 large carrot, cut into small pieces
• Celery: 2 stalks, cut into small pieces
• Red Lentils: 3/4 cup (rinsed)
• Tomato Paste: 3 tablespoons
• Dry Red Wine: 1/3 cup (ensure it’s vegan)
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz)
• Vegetable Broth: 2 cups
• Soy Sauce: 1 teaspoon (optional)
• Dried Herbs: 1 teaspoon each of oregano, basil, and thyme
• Salt and Pepper: to taste
• Fresh Basil: for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti:

• Boil water in a large pot and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

• In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for about 2 minutes until translucent.
• Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
• Stir in the carrot and celery; cook for another 3 minutes until softened.
• Add the rinsed red lentils and tomato paste, stirring well. Cook for about a minute.
• Deglaze the pan with dry red wine, allowing it to evaporate for about a minute.

Simmer the Sauce:

• Add the canned diced tomatoes and vegetable broth to the mixture. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
• Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the lentils are tender but not mushy. If needed, adjust the consistency with more broth or water.

Season and Serve:

• Season the sauce with dried herbs, soy sauce (if using), salt, and pepper.
• Serve the lentil sauce over the cooked spaghetti and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Tips for Making Lentil Bolognese Creamy

1. Add Non-Dairy Cream: Incorporate a splash of unsweetened non-dairy cream or milk (such as almond, soy, or oat) at the end of cooking to enrich the sauce’s texture and flavor .
2. Use Cashews: Blend soaked cashews with water to create a creamy sauce. About ¼ cup of cashews blended with ¾ cup water can add a rich creaminess .
3. Incorporate Nutritional Yeast: This ingredient adds a cheesy flavor and can help thicken the sauce, giving it a creamier consistency .
4. Stir in Vegan Cheese: Adding vegan cheese shreds or a dollop of vegan cream cheese can enhance the creaminess of the sauce .

Using a Slow Cooker for Lentil Bolognese

Yes, you can use a slow cooker to prepare lentil bolognese. Simply sauté your vegetables and spices in a pan first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker along with the lentils, tomatoes, and broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the lentils are tender .

Making Vegan Spaghetti Appealing to Non-Vegans

1. Focus on Flavor: Use robust spices, herbs, and umami-rich ingredients like mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or nutritional yeast to create depth of flavor that appeals to all palates .
2. Presentation: Serve your spaghetti in an appealing way—consider garnishing with fresh herbs, vegan parmesan, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil .
3. Texture Variety: Incorporate different textures by adding roasted vegetables or crunchy toppings like toasted nuts or seeds .
4. Pair with Sides: Serve alongside garlic bread or a fresh salad to create a more complete meal that feels indulgent .

Variations of Vegan Spaghetti Sauces

1. Creamy Avocado Sauce: Blend ripe avocados with garlic, lemon juice, and basil for a creamy, no-cook sauce.
2. Pesto Sauce: Use basil or spinach blended with nuts (like pine nuts or walnuts), garlic, nutritional yeast, and olive oil.
3. Roasted Red Pepper Sauce: Blend roasted red peppers with garlic and cashews for a smoky, creamy sauce.
4. Mushroom Marinara: Enhance traditional marinara by adding sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

Making Vegan Spaghetti with a Spicy Kick

1. Add Chili Flakes: Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes into your sauce for heat.
2. Use Hot Sauce: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the finished dish or mix it into the sauce while cooking.
3. Spicy Sausage Alternatives: Use spicy vegan sausage crumbles to give your bolognese an extra kick.
4. Jalapeños or Peppers: Sauté diced jalapeños or other hot peppers with your onions and garlic to infuse heat from the start.

These tips and variations will help you create delicious, creamy lentil bolognese and make your vegan spaghetti dishes more enticing for everyone!

This dish not only provides a comforting meal but also offers a good source of protein and iron from the lentils, making it an excellent choice for vegans and vegetarians alike[1][4]. Enjoy your hearty vegan spaghetti!