Description
This Mushroom & Lentil Ragu is a rich and hearty vegan ragu made with earthy mushrooms and hearty lentils. It’s perfect for pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, and is packed with flavor, making it an ideal comfort meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mushrooms (cremini, button, or portobello), sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth of flavor)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Lentils: Rinse the lentils under cold water, then cook them in boiling water for 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan. Sauté the chopped onion for 5-6 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the mushrooms and cook for 7-8 minutes until browned.
- Simmer the Ragu: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add vegetable broth and balsamic vinegar, bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Combine the Lentils with the Ragu: Add the cooked lentils to the ragu, stir well, and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a variety of mushrooms: Mixing different types of mushrooms adds depth to the flavor. Consider using shiitake and cremini mushrooms for a more complex taste.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Quick meal: For a faster option, use canned lentils, but be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the ragu.
- Gluten-free: Serve this ragu with gluten-free pasta or rice for a fully gluten-free meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Vegan, Dinner
- Method: Simmered
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Vegan Mushroom Ragu, Lentil Ragu, Plant-Based Ragu, Vegan Italian Recipes