HEARTY BEAN & LENTIL VEGAN BOLOGNESE

Hearty Bean & Lentil Vegan Bolognese image

Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion (diced)
6 medium cloves garlic (minced)
2 teaspoons kosher salt + more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper + more to taste
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 28-ounce cans whole San Marzano tomatoes
1 1/2 cups water
1 tablespoon vegan-friendly granulated sugar
1 cup French green lentils (rinsed)
1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 15-ounce can small red beans or red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Large sprig of fresh basil

Steps:

Set a large pot over medium heat. When hot, add the olive oil. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 5-6 minutes. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for one more minute.
Squeeze the tomatoes to crush and add them to the pot along with the juices from the can. Add the water and honey and stir to combine. Add the lentils. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce heat to medium. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are almost cooked through, about 20 minutes.
Stir in the beans and the sprig of basil and continue to cook until thick and rich, about 5-10 more minutes. Remove basil. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if desired.
Serve over your favorite pasta (we're partial to whole wheat spaghetti with this sauce), spooned over spaghetti squash, or in a baked sweet potato.
Sauce keeps refrigerated in an airtight container for 2-3 days. It also freezes very well.