Indulge in a culinary adventure with our delectable Lentil and Wild Mushroom Bolognese! This hearty Italian dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a wholesome and satisfying meal that will leave you craving more. Imagine the rich flavors of earthy wild mushrooms mingling with protein-packed lentils, all enveloped in a luscious tomato sauce. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to elevate your weeknight dinners and impress your guests. Ready to dive into a bowl of comfort that’s both delicious and nutritious? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 2 cups mixed wild mushrooms, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pasta of choice
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of lentils, 2 cups of mixed wild mushrooms (such as shiitake, oyster, and cremini), 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste, and your choice of pasta.
- Rinse the lentils under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps to remove any debris or impurities. Set them aside.
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Next, add the chopped wild mushrooms to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture.
- Stir in the rinsed lentils, crushed tomatoes, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour in enough water (or vegetable broth for added flavor) to cover the lentils by about an inch. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if necessary to prevent sticking.
- While the lentil and mushroom sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to the package instructions in a separate pot. Make sure to salt the water generously before adding the pasta for flavor.
- Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it and reserve a cup of pasta water. You can use this water to adjust the consistency of your sauce if needed.
- After the sauce has finished cooking, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or oregano if desired. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your preferred consistency.
- To serve, divide the cooked pasta among plates and top with the lentil and wild mushroom bolognese sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired, and enjoy your hearty Italian dish!
Tips
- Choose Your Mushrooms Wisely: For the best flavor, opt for a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, and cremini. Each variety adds its unique taste and texture to the dish.
- Don’t Skip Rinsing the Lentils: Rinsing your lentils not only removes any impurities but also helps them cook evenly. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.
- Sauté to Perfection: Make sure to sauté the onions until they're translucent and soft before adding the garlic. This builds a flavorful base for your sauce.
- Adjust the Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, don’t hesitate to use some reserved pasta water to adjust its consistency. This will help create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to your pasta.
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving can elevate the dish with a burst of color and flavor.
- Pair with the Right Pasta: While any pasta works, consider using tagliatelle or pappardelle for a more traditional feel. Their broad surfaces are perfect for holding onto the sauce.
- Make It Ahead: This bolognese sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, or frozen for later use. Just reheat and serve over freshly cooked pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
