Lentil & Mushroom Bolognese with Linguine

A super quick and easy vegan dinner recipe that tastes delicious. Like most things bolognese-esque, we think it tastes better the next day and it keeps really well too!

Ingredients

• Olive oil 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 clove of garlic, peeled and finely chopped
• 250g chestnut mushrooms (finely chop half, slice the other half)
• A handful of mixed herbs – rosemary, thyme
• 250g cooked puy lentils (we use these ones)
• 2 tablespoons tomato purée
• 100ml organic vegetable stock (Swiss bouillon is great)
• 1 x 400g tin of plum tomatoes
• Glug of red wine (not essential)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Heat a good glug of olive oil in a large saucepan over a low-medium heat. Add the onion and let them cook out for at least 5 minutes, however, if you have time, closer to 8 minutes would be better as you want the mix really soft.

2. Add the garlic and the mushrooms then cook out – the heat can be a little higher now, more like medium just keep an eye on the garlic. Try not to let it burn. Next, add the herbs. It should be smelling really good now, add a little glug of red wine to the pan and let it cook out (or omit entirely) and then add lentils in and stir well.

3. Next, add the tinned tomatoes, tomato purée and vegetable stock. Season well and simmer over a low heat for 8-10 minutes.

4. Cook the linguine according to the instructions. Drain once cooked and ladle the pasta into the Bolognese and stir well. Top tip: if your Bolognese starts to dry out a bit, add in a bit of the pasta water – the magic ingredient in most amazing pasta sauces!

5. You can serve with vegan parmesan and some fresh rosemary (or whatever herbs you have to hand will still taste great).