Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 4–6
Savor the bold, meaty richness of this Lentil Walnut Bolognese recipe, a sustainable and delicious twist on the Italian classic—without the meat. Packed with protein-rich lentils and hearty walnuts, this plant-based version delivers depth, texture, and comfort, while reducing your environmental footprint.
📜 Why Lentils and Walnuts? The Sustainable Swap
“Eat like it matters—because it does.”
Traditional Bolognese, while comforting and satisfying, is often made with resource-intensive red meat. By using lentils and walnuts, you dramatically reduce water use, carbon emissions, and land strain—all while packing in fiber, iron, and healthy fats.
The walnuts add a satisfying bite, while lentils soak up all the rich, tomatoey goodness. Add in herbs, aromatics, and a splash of red wine, and you’ve got a sauce worthy of Nonna’s table—with a modern mission.
Ingredients for Lentil Walnut Bolognese
☑️ 1 cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
☑️ ½ cup finely chopped walnuts
☑️ 1 tbsp olive oil
☑️ 1 yellow onion, diced
☑️ 2 cloves garlic, minced
☑️ 1 carrot, finely chopped
☑️ 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
☑️ 1 ½ cups crushed tomatoes
☑️ 1 tbsp tomato paste
☑️ ½ cup vegetable broth (plus more as needed)
☑️ ½ tsp dried oregano
☑️ ½ tsp thyme
☑️ Salt and pepper to taste
☑️ Optional: ¼ cup red wine for richness
👩🍳 How to Make Lentil Walnut Bolognese
🥄 Step 1: Prep the Base
1️⃣ In a saucepan, sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in olive oil until soft and fragrant.
2️⃣ Stir in tomato paste and let it caramelize slightly.
🍅 Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
1️⃣ Add lentils, walnuts, crushed tomatoes, broth, herbs, and optional wine.
2️⃣ Simmer for 25–30 minutes, adding broth as needed, until lentils are tender and sauce is thick.
🍝 Step 3: Finish and Serve
1️⃣ Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili flakes.
2️⃣ Serve over pasta, grain bowls, or zucchini noodles. Top with fresh basil or vegan parmesan if desired.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Lentil Walnut Bolognese
☑️ High in plant protein and fiber
☑️ Free from meat, dairy, and guilt
☑️ Rich, satisfying, and totally freezer-friendly
☑️ A flavorful way to lower your impact and raise your plate
“This Bolognese proves that sustainable can be sensational.”
🌍 Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If you’re fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to Truffle Honey Glazed Duck Breast You Need to Try! with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover.
Discover rare culinary experiences at Good Food and More—where every recipe is a journey through heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors.
