Rich Mushroom and Lentil Ragu Recipe (2024)

Rich Mushroom and Lentil Ragu Recipe (1)

I told you this was pasta week

Oh did you miss my last post? I realised I was posting three pasta recipes this week. A roasted vegetable pea pasta bake, a creamy spinach and basil pasta and this rich ragu which I served with tagliatelle.

Don't worry we have eaten other meals in between.

We haven't just lived on pasta this week.

We've had carrot, lentil and spinach soup, vegetable packed pizza and an aubergine dish with potatoes and asparagus.

One night it all went to pot and we gave up and ate chips (fries my American friends)in paper from the local chip shop with quickly heated baked beans. Yes, even food bloggers have nights like that. And everyone needs a 'chippie' now and again!

also try -Creamy Lemon Basil Spaghetti

Rich Mushroom and Lentil Ragu Recipe (2)

Tinned or freshly cooked lentils?

I have to admit I use a mixture of tinned (canned) lentils and freshly cooked, although I lean more towards tinned lentils.

I add fresh red lentils to soups, stews and dal, but if I'm using green, puy or beluga lentils I tend to buy them tinned or in ready to eat pouches.

For this dish I used Napolina tinned lentils which are brown lentils in water. They are part of a new range from Napolina, that well known Italian brand. They have also introduced two ready to use sugar free jarred pasta sauces,tomato passata, extra virgin olive oil spray and two varieties of gluten-free pasta (green pea and red lentil).

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Related - Richly Braised Lentils

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Rich Mushroom and Lentil Ragu Recipe (3)


What is a ragu?

A ragu is an Italian meat sauce for pasta. What we call bolognaise or bolognese in this country is what would be known as a ragu in Italy. Ragu was originally created forPope Pio VII by his chefAlberto Alvisi in the 18th century.

Veggie Ragu

For a vegetarian or vegan ragu you can replace the meat with vegetarian (soya) mince or lentils. I replaced the meat with lentils in my mushroom and lentil ragu, but I usually add veggie mince to my bolognaise.



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Related - Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese

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Which pasta is served with Ragu?

Another ragu (or bologanise fact) is that it is always served with tagliatelle in Italy, never spaghetti. Spaghetti bolognaise was introduced by Italians living in the UK for the British palate. I serve this ragu with tagliatelle the Italian way. The sauce really coats the pasta.


Absolutely delicious!

Also try -Aubergine, Asparagus and Chilli Spaghetti

Rich Mushroom and Lentil Ragu Recipe (4)

Calories and Nutritional Values for Mushroom Ragu

This mushroom ragu has only 132 calories when divided into 6 portions and 199 calories when divided into 4 portions. Add 66 calories for 50g of tagliatelle and that is 198 calories with paasta when the sauce is divided into 6 portions and only 265 calories with pasta when the sauce is divided into 4 portions.

The sauce is low in fat and a great source of protein. It also contains iron, potassium and a little iron.

It's perfect if you are following the new 5:2 diet, counting calories or just watching your weight.

Rich Mushroom and Lentil Ragu Recipe (5)



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Dinner

Italian, Vegan

Yield: 4-6Author: Jacqueline Meldrum

Rich Mushroom and Lentil Ragu Recipe (6)

Rich Mushroom and Lentil Ragu Recipe

A rich mushroom and lentil ragu served with tagliatelle the Italian way. An easy your family and friends will love. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

prep time: 10 minscook time: 35 minstotal time: 45 mins

ingredients


  • 1 tbspolive oil

  • 1onion, finely chopped

  • 1 clovegarlic, crushed

  • 300g largeflat mushrooms, finely chopped

  • 400g tinbrown lentils, drained and rinsed

  • a generous glug ofred wine

  • 1 ½ tspdried thyme

  • 400g tinchopped tomatoes

  • 3 tbsptomato puree

  • 1vegetable stock cube

  • a good grinding ofsalt and pepper

instructions


  1. In a large pan, saute the onion and garlic in the
    olive oil until soft.

  2. Add the mushrooms and cook those until they are soft too, then add the lentils, chopped tomatoes, thyme, wine and tomato puree. Crumble in the stock cube and stir well.

  3. Leave it to cook gently for 25-30 minutes until the sauce is rich and thick.

  4. Season with salt and pepper and serve with freshly cooked tagliatelle.

  5. Enjoy!

NOTES:

Calories for the ragu are 132 calories for 6 portions and 199 calorie for 4 portions. Add 66 calories for 50g tagliatelle per person.

calories
132

fat (grams)
3

sat. fat (grams)
1.4

carbs (grams)
17.4

protein (grams)
7.2

sugar (grams)
3.3

Created using The Recipes Generator



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Rich Mushroom and Lentil Ragu Recipe (7)

TRY THIS NEXT

Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce for Spaghetti

Rich Mushroom and Lentil Ragu Recipe (8)

If you like my rich mushroom and lentil ragu, you may also like my tomato and roasted red pepper pasta sauce for spaghetti.


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Disclosure: I created this recipe to highlight new products from Napolina. I was not expected to write a positive review and any opinions expressed are my own.

Rich Mushroom and Lentil Ragu Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you make Ragu taste richer? ›

Add the rind from a piece of Parmesan cheese while simmering the sauce to add a bit of nutty, salty flavor. Before serving, grate high-quality Parmesan or pecorino cheese over the dish. Want something heartier? Spoon in a couple tablespoons of ricotta cheese for a rich and creamy tomato sauce.

What is red lentil pasta? ›

Surprisingly One Ingredient. All Red Lentil, No Xanthan Gum. Penne made from red lentils, and red lentils only, for a good source of plant protein without additives, like xanthan gum. Make what you love without hesitation.

What is the secret to a good ragù? ›

The secret to this authentic Ragù Bolognese sauce recipe is cooking the meat in milk first before adding white wine and tomato paste. The texture will melt in your mouth! Serve with fresh homemade pasta, lasagna noodles or homemade gnocchi for a classic old world taste.

How do you add richness to pasta sauce? ›

A hefty drizzle of olive oil stirred in off the heat is also a great move. And if you're feeling really spunky, add some meaty richness to that sauce: crisp some bacon or brown sliced sausages or ground meat. For some veggie richness, sauté mushrooms or caramelize fennel in plenty of olive oil.

Is lentil pasta actually healthier? ›

First, it shouldn't be surprising that chickpea and lentil pastas are commonly more nutrient-dense than regular pasta. “They have twice as much protein, they have four times more fiber,” Bulsiewicz shared.

Does red lentil pasta spike blood sugar? ›

Red lentil pasta is a winner in terms of nutrition and glycemic index coming in at 22! ⁴ With the lowest glycemic index of all the pasta listed on this roundup, red lentil pasta won't negatively impact blood glucose levels. Red lentil pasta provides almost all the daily needs for folate and is a great source of iron.

Do I have to rinse red lentil pasta? ›

Stays perfectly al dente even with extra cooking.

This does not starch over and become goopy like chickpea pasta. It is almost impossible to overcook so leave it sit in the pot with warm water an needs no rinse needed to remove starch.

How to enhance ragu sauce? ›

Tossing in strips of basil, a sprig of thyme or some oregano can take your sauce to the next level. Although fresh herbs might pop a bit more, dried herbs and spices can work just as well. Sprinkling in some red pepper flakes, a pinch of parsley and a dash of salt and pepper can liven up your jarred pasta sauce.

What makes ragu taste better? ›

Pungent fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage, tarragon, and marjoram can liven up tomato sauce with their bold, distinctive flavors. Add 1 to 2 sprigs of one or more of them to your favorite sauce, cover, and simmer at least 5 minutes to allow them to infuse in the sauce. Remove the sprigs before serving.

What adds richness to spaghetti sauce? ›

Use wine.

Red wine gives the sauce added richness and robustness, while white wine imparts a fruity flavor. Incorporate the wine early in the cooking process, just after the vegetables have softened. Then, let the wine cook down and reduce almost all the way.

How do you make sauce taste richer? ›

To make your sauce rich and luxurious, finish it with a pat of butter, a splash of cream or coconut cream, or a spoonful of yogurt, crème fraîche, or sour cream. 13. Swirl in some high-quality olive oil Adding a glug to the sauce just before serving gives it a similar richness and shine to butter without adding dairy.

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