Lentil and tofu budget bolognese

Lentil and tofu budget bolognese: an inexpensive, filling recipe with red lentils, smoked tofu, tomatoes, carrot and onion.

At a glance

• Serves 4
• Prep time: 10 min
• Cooking time: 25 min
• Total time: 35 min
• Calories: 450 kcal per serving
• Protein: 32 g
• Fat: 8 g
• Carbs: 55 g

Ingredients

• 100 g red lentils
• 100 g smoked tofu
• 400 g chopped tomatoes
• 1 carrot
• 1 onion

Method

You’ll need: frying pan · chopping board · knife · wooden spoon

1. Finely chop the onion and carrot. Crumble the smoked tofu into small pieces with your hands or a fork.
2. Soften the onion in a little olive oil and add the smoked tofu. Fry both until lightly browned and fragrant.
3. Stir in the carrot and red lentils and toast briefly. This helps the flavours come together a little better.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes and stir well. Reduce the heat and cover the pan.
5. Simmer the bolognese until the red lentils are soft. If it gets too thick, stir in a little water, and season to taste at the end.
6. Serve hot, on its own or with pasta, potatoes or polenta.

Good to know

When it needs to be cheap, uncomplicated and really hearty, this bolognese often ends up on the table. It's down-to-earth, savoury and cooked without much effort.

Swaps

Smoked tofu → plain tofu (milder, often a little less salty); red lentils → Puy-style lentils (more bite, also provide fibre); chopped tomatoes → passata

Allergens

Contains soya (smoked tofu). Generally suitable for children and often nicer mildly seasoned, and in pregnancy, well-heated tofu is fine – adjust it if you have any individual intolerances.

Dairy-free recipes