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

What is the secret to a good ragu? ›

A Few Tips:
  • Use a food processor. The veggies should be finely chopped. ...
  • Don't skip the milk. Cooking the meat in milk first, before adding the wine and tomatoes tenderizes the texture. ...
  • Don't brown the meat. Cook it gently to keep it soft and not rubbery.
  • Try white wine (instead of red). ...
  • Double it.
Jan 23, 2022

How many calories in lentil and mushroom ragu? ›

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

How do you add depth to ragu? ›

Undeniably one of the best known Italian dishes, Ragù is a Mazzetti family favourite. Our Balsamic Vinegar adds depth and flavour to this delicious Ragù recipe.

Why do Italians put milk in ragu? ›

Adding milk or cream tenderizes the meat. Slowly braising the meat in Ragù alla Bolognese breaks down the tough connective tissue in the meat. However, this process can also make mucle meat more dry. Milk is used to tenderize the dish.

What is the difference between a Bolognese and a Ragu? ›

Even though both are considered meat sauces and are thusly chunky, ragù is more like a thick tomato sauce with recognizable bits of ground beef within it. Bolognese, though, is creamier and thicker because it is made with milk. It is not considered to be a tomato sauce.

Is lentil pasta good for you on a diet? ›

Lentils are healthier than refined pasta and help to promote good health, including lowering blood pressure, improving heart health, and protecting against disease.

Is lentil pasta a carb or protein? ›

Red Lentil Pasta

Per 2-ounce serving, it contains 180 calories, 34g of carbs, 13g of protein, and 6g of fiber.

What can I add to ragu to make it better? ›

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 is the secret ingredient in ragu bolognese sauce? ›

Tomatoes- the secret ingredient for this recipe, is fresh tomatoes. NOT canned tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes have so much more flavor than canned tomatoes. We like using Roma tomatoes as we find them delicious, but any kind of fresh tomatoes will work.

How long should you simmer ragu for? ›

After many tests, the optimal cooking time is between 4-5 hours for the best flavour.

Should ragu simmer covered or uncovered? ›

Simmering with a lid on creates a low pressure chamber in the pot, helping in the cooking process and retaining a majority of the moisture in the pot. Removing the lid while simmering allows the evaporated water to escape the pot and reduces the sauce, concentrating the flavors.

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