Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- ½ green bell pepper, chopped
- ½ medium yellow onion, chopped
Liquids and Seasonings
- ¼ cup red wine
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
- 2 ½ cups water, plus more if needed
- 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed and picked through
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Pasta and Garnishes
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Vegan Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large saucepot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, chopped carrot, green bell pepper, and yellow onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are very brown and soft, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Deglaze with Wine: Add the red wine to the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
- Add Remaining Ingredients and Simmer: Stir in the bay leaf, crushed tomatoes, water, rinsed lentils, dried oregano, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender, stirring occasionally. If the ragu becomes too thick, add more water in ½ cup increments as needed.
- Cook Spaghetti: Meanwhile, prepare the spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Finish Sauce and Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the ragu and stir in chopped fresh basil. Serve the mushroom and lentil ragu over the cooked spaghetti noodles. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sprinkle vegan Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Notes
- If you are not following a vegan or vegetarian diet, topping the pasta and lentil sauce with traditional Parmesan cheese adds extra depth of flavor.
- For a vegan option, use store-bought vegan Parmesan cheese or make your own vegan Parmesan substitute to sprinkle on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
