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Zoodles with Lentil and Mushroom Bolognese {Vegan}

September 9, 2015 by jessfuel 9 Comments

Spiralized zucchini noodles are topped with a vegan bolognese sauce “beefed” up with lentils and finely chopped mushrooms. It’s so yummy, you won’t even miss the meat!

Zoodles with Lentil and Mushroom Bolognese {Vegan}

For today’s recipe I’m going back to plants. Because plants are delicious. And every once in a while, you just need to forget about meat and cheese, and eat copious amount of delicious, healthy things. Plants are delicious AND healthy.

A few months ago, I started experimenting with plant-based meals that I thought I could get Nick to eat. I made these Black Bean and Kale Enchiladas with Avocado Cream (twice!) and they were a huge hit.

Then I made BBQ Chickpea Bowls with Avocado Cream. Can you tell we really dig avocado cream?

So then the question was, is it possible to make something plant-based without delicious, creamy avocados? Turns out, it is!

Zoodles with Lentil and Mushroom Bolognese

I made this amazing bolognese sauce with lentils and finely chopped mushrooms. The combination was hearty and meaty, and you really didn’t even miss the traditional ground beef!

You could definitely serve this on top of regular pasta, but since summer is winding down, I decided to take advantage of the end of zucchini season and make some zoodles. This is the vegetable spiralizer I have and love. It’s so easy to use and has a bunch of different size blades you can use. Definitely recommend it!

Nick loved this dish, and so did I. It was comfort food you don’t have to feel guilty about eating. This one will definitely be going in our regular rotation!!

Zoodles with Lentil and Mushroom Bolognese {Vegan}
 
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Author: Flying on Jess Fuel
Recipe type: Entree
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 8 oz pkg baby bella mushrooms
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 5 medium zucchini, spiralized
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 large carrots, diced
  • 2 large celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup cooked lentils
  • Fresh basil, roughly chopped, for serving
Instructions
  1. Place mushrooms in a food processor. Pulse until they are finely chopped. Set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the spiralized zucchini and cook, tossing frequently, until just barely tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a colander over the sink to drain excess water.
  3. In another large saute pan (or dutch overn or large pot), heat remaining olive oil and red pepper flakes over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic and chopped mushrooms. Saute until beginning to soften, stirring frequently, about 7-8 minutes.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and oregano. Season to taste with salt & pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
  5. Stir in cooked lentils.
  6. Return zucchini to a hot pan for a few minutes to heat through.
  7. Serve zoodles topped with sauce and fresh basil.
3.3.3077

Love zoodles? Check out my Pad Thai Zoodles recipe!

Pad Thai Zoodles with Zucchini Noodles

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Filed Under: Meatless Tagged With: lentils, mushroom, vegan, vegetarian, zucchini

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Comments

  1. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says

    September 9, 2015 at 6:43 pm

    Mmm I love this “plant” recipe, Jess! I have yet to try zoodles, but they look SO good! What a great idea to pair it with this bolognese. Sounds hearty and healthy! Love it!

    Reply
    • jessfuel says

      September 15, 2015 at 8:20 pm

      Ahhh! You have to try zoodles!! They’re so yummy and even the hubs is obsessed!

      Reply
  2. marcie says

    September 9, 2015 at 7:15 pm

    I love what you did here, Jess! You just made a plant recipe that’s every bit as hearty as one with meat, and that can be tough! I love zoodles, and this sauce looks fantastic!

    Reply
  3. Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says

    September 10, 2015 at 10:16 am

    This is amazing! I love how healthy it is. My mom is vegan, and I just emailed her this recipe. I know she is going to love it!

    Reply
    • jessfuel says

      September 15, 2015 at 8:19 pm

      Yay!! It really was a good one!! Thanks, Natalie!

      Reply
  4. Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says

    September 10, 2015 at 5:19 pm

    I don’t think I’d miss the meat in this sauce either! Looks so good!

    Reply
  5. Kelly says

    September 13, 2015 at 6:17 am

    This is definitely my kind of meatless meal! I love the lentils and mushrooms in the sauce! Looks incredible, Jess!

    Reply
  6. Tami says

    March 22, 2017 at 9:01 am

    I watched the film after a summer trip to Oregon. A friend, who calls herself a cheagan (cheating-vegan) told me about it. I felt the same way. I thought a bunch of fanatics at the beginning but so much of it made so much sense. Not ready to go full in (We live in Germany and the cheese is SO good), but I am happy to report that I have joined the ranks of cheagan-hood!

    This recipe is great. So fast and easy. We loved it. Thanks!

    Reply

Trackbacks

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    December 3, 2015 at 1:01 am

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ABOUT JESS

Jess is home cook, foodie and proud Navy wife. She grew up in Boston and now lives on the West Coast. She loves to blog, travel, read and write. When she's not working or blogging, she can be found running or relaxing with a glass of wine. Read More…

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