Are you tired of the same old pasta sauces? Do you want to level up your vegetarian game and impress your friends and family with a rich, meatless Bolognese? Look no further! This Vegetarian Bolognese Instant Pot recipe is a game-changer, packed with sautéed onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, simmered in a rich and tangy tomato sauce with red lentils. And the best part? It's ready in under 40 minutes! With this easy and satisfying recipe, you'll be enjoying a delicious, Italian-inspired meal in no time.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean countertop. Ensure that your onion, carrots, celery, and garlic are diced and minced as specified. This will help streamline your cooking process.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode. Once it is hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to heat for about 30 seconds.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Next, add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Continue to sauté the mixture for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn. The garlic should become fragrant.
- Add the rinsed lentils to the pot, followed by the can of crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together to ensure the lentils are well-coated with the tomato and seasoning mixture.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to 'Sealing'. Switch the Instant Pot to 'Manual' mode and set the cooking time for 15 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully switch the valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
- When the pressure has fully released, open the lid and stir the Bolognese sauce. Check the consistency; if it seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen it up.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as desired.
- Serve the Vegetarian Bolognese over your choice of pasta, or enjoy it as a hearty stew. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired, and enjoy your meal!
Tips
- * Make sure to dice and mince your ingredients beforehand to ensure a smooth cooking process. * Don't overcrowd the Instant Pot, sauté your vegetables in batches if necessary, to prevent sticking and promote even cooking. * Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and don't be afraid to add more Italian seasoning or herbs to give your Bolognese an extra boost of flavor. * If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few more minutes or add a little tomato paste. If it's too thick, add a splash of water or vegetable broth. * Experiment with different types of pasta or serve the Bolognese as a hearty stew for a comforting meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
