Vegan Bolognese

Steps

• 1
  Finely chop the onion, carrot, and celery stalk. Heat the olive oil in a large pot and sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they soften and lightly brown (this takes about 8 minutes).
• 2
  Add the sliced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
• 3
  Stir in the vegan mince, increase the heat, and break it into smaller pieces while stirring continuously, then brown it.
• 4
  Add the tomato paste, let it caramelize briefly, then pour in the tomato passata and water (or broth). Stir thoroughly to loosen any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
• 5
  Sprinkle in the rinsed, raw red lentils, add the rosemary, chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
• 6
  Reduce the heat to minimum and let the sauce simmer uncovered, gently bubbling, for at least an hour.
• 7
  Stir occasionally, and add a little water or broth if needed.
• 8
  It's ready when the vegetables are completely soft and the sauce is smooth and thick.
• 9
  Serve the finished sauce with freshly cooked pasta, and you can add vegan cheese to taste.