Lentil ragù

Lentil ragù

Struggle to get your five-a-day? This superhealthy ragù will get you four steps closer and can be frozen for extra convenience

Difficulty and servings

Easy

Serves 6

Preparation and cooking times

Preparation time

Prep 15 mins

Cook time

Cook 1 hr 15 mins

Vegetarian Freezable

Vegetarian, Low-fat, Super healthy

Method

  1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan and add the onions, carrots, celery and garlic. Cook gently for 15-20 mins until everything is softened. Stir in the lentils, chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, herbs and stock. Bring to a simmer, then cook for 40-50 mins until the lentils are tender and saucy - splash in water if you need. Season.
  2. If eating straight away, keep on a low heat while you cook the spaghetti, following pack instructions. Drain well, divide between pasta bowls or plates, spoon sauce over the top and grate over some cheese. Alternatively, cool the sauce and chill for up to 3 days. Or freeze for up to 3 months. Simply defrost portions overnight at room temperature, then reheat gently to serve.

PER SERVING

662 kcalories, protein 33g, carbohydrate 120g, fat 9 g, saturated fat 1g, fibre 10g, sugar 14g, salt 1.05 g

Recipe from Good Food magazine, March 2011.

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Latest comments and suggestions

Results 1-20

  • 2011-02-21 21:47:25.307522

    same965 rated this recipe

    4 stars

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  • 2011-02-22 17:10:56.629471

    ladybird rated and commented on this recipe

    4 stars

    A really yummy recipe. I added a little bit of balsamic vinegar and it was absolutely wonderful. It was a definite hit with my partner as well. did not think it needed any meat.

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  • 2011-02-22 21:12:49.446564

    Tara commented on this recipe

    I really fancied spaghetti bolognese this evening - saw this and decided to give it a go as it was healthy. Afraid I didn't like it, probably because I'm not a fan of lentils....this recipe didn't change me mind!!

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  • 2011-02-22 22:46:42.335839

    eri207 rated and commented on this recipe

    4 stars

    Made this tonight-didn't have much colour but great flavours. Added more spices than suggested and a little chilli powder and cheese and tasted great. Seasoning is a must, have some left over for tomorrow which I'm looking forward to! Thanks for the recipe

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  • 2011-02-24 11:42:49.146409

    applespongepudding rated and commented on this recipe

    5 stars

    Great taste - served with Couscous and Pitta bread! Will definatley make again

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  • 2011-02-24 12:55:00.186969

    Becks rated and commented on this recipe

    4 stars

    Very generous portions. Made half the recipe and it would easily serve 5-6 with pasta/potatoes. Added a splash of Worcestershire sauce. My eleven month old loved it and had seconds :-)

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  • 2011-02-27 13:29:12.050177

    JoCat commented on this recipe

    After following the recipe I found it was lacking something - couldn't find what it was and so I ended up putting in a lot of worcestershire sauce - then it was pretty good. Although my veggie boyfriend had that - 'I'm pretending to love it' face on.

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  • Binder photo Dee

    2011-03-02 17:33:54.029144

    Dee rated and commented on this recipe

    4 stars

    I agree with everyone else, the original recipe needs something else - I added some seasoning, extra tomato puree and Worcester sauce and that did the trick ! Really delicious and as another reviewer said makes large portions so plenty for everyone. Will be making again

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  • 2011-03-07 10:43:16.728745

    Beth rated and commented on this recipe

    3 stars

    Was a little on the bland side - I added some worcestershire sauce and some chillli - but my daughter (15 months) seemed to love it.

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  • 2011-03-10 11:32:42.636873

    thecrikster commented on this recipe

    If you're not a fan of the red lentils going into a indistinguishable mush, then try using whole Brown or Puy Lentils. They will hold their shape a little better and will add a more pleasing texture.

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  • 2011-03-10 12:49:49.823232

    Sugar Baby rated and commented on this recipe

    3 stars

    This was a healthier alternative to the meat version, but not as popular with our kids. We had to pile cheese on the top in order to get them to eat it, thus making it less healthy again. I won't be making this again.

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  • 2011-03-11 07:48:23.230998

    AlexLangley rated and commented on this recipe

    4 stars

    Added mushrooms making this second time around which was a good addition. Servings are definitely generous

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  • 2011-03-13 00:34:04.250719

    alex16103 rated and commented on this recipe

    5 stars

    Loved this. Great way to get/use up your veggies. The addition of balsamic vinegar is a good one. As well as with pasta you could easily have this on toast, with a jacket potato or have it like a stew with some good bread.

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  • Binder photo Ros

    2011-03-15 09:20:46.605999

    Ros rated and commented on this recipe

    3 stars

    This is a recipe I make regularly, but always stir in a squeeze of lemon juice at the end of the cooking time. All lentils need lemon to lift their flavour. Hope this helps everyone.

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  • Binder photo Bob

    2011-03-20 16:25:25.226926

    Bob commented on this recipe

    I loved this recipe but would agree with Ros, the addition of freshly squeeze lemon juice enhances the flavour. Would definitely make again.

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  • 2011-03-22 22:31:50.663111

    adrienneyong rated and commented on this recipe

    5 stars

    amazing recipe, great for freezing. took advice of other commenters and added vinegar and purée

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  • 2011-04-08 13:00:40.273563

    DrFabio rated and commented on this recipe

    4 stars

    This was delicious once I'd added in a few (!) extras - bit of balsamic, about 1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce, hot smoked paprika, extra stock, extra puree, extra herbs and the rind from the parmesan. Served it with lots of parmesan on the top. I agree the portions are right off though. We're pretty greedy so normally something that serves 4 will do 3, or sometimes 2 - but we got 10 out of this!!

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  • 2011-04-16 18:41:50.159181

    Natlee89 rated and commented on this recipe

    3 stars

    I followed everyone's advice and added balsamic, worcestershire sauce, and some tabasco (couldnt find any chilli powder). Has nice flavours, but the mushiness of the lentils gave this dish a thumbs down.

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  • 2011-04-19 07:56:21.045644

    healthyvegitarian commented on this recipe

    I used under half amount of lentils and one tin tom not two and this did 4 large portions. Was ok but little bland so I added balsamic and marmite and dash of ketchup and tiny bit paprika and then it was lovely. Served it with home made garlic bread recipe found on this site and the family really enjoyed it.

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  • 2011-04-21 22:01:29.331906

    Winteringham rated and commented on this recipe

    3 stars

    Didn't like the texture much with spaghetti, so have been having this with jacket potatoes or crusty bread. I added extra tomato puree too. Freezes very well and makes loads!

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Difficulty and servings

Easy

Serves 6

Preparation and cooking times

Preparation time

Prep 15 mins

Cook time

Cook 1 hr 15 mins

Vegetarian Freezable

Vegetarian, Low-fat, Super healthy

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 onions , finely chopped
  • 3 carrots , finely chopped
  • 3 celery sticks, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves , crushed
  • 500g bag dried red lentils
  • 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato purée
  • 2 tsp each dried oregano and thyme
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1l vegetable stock
  • 500g spaghetti , plus Parmesan or vegetarian cheese, grated, to serve
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PER SERVING

662 kcalories, protein 33g, carbohydrate 120g, fat 9 g, saturated fat 1g, fibre 10g, sugar 14g, salt 1.05 g

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