Our Lentil Bolognese might have left our menu, but Lizzy, our Head or Product, is here with the recipe so you can continue making this nourishing and tasty dish at home.
Packed with mushrooms, carrots, celery and lentils, it’s hearty, tomatoey, and full of gentle flavours toddlers love. Not only does it sneak in 2 of your tot’s 5 a day, but the lentils also provide plenty of protein and fibre, making it a meal the whole family can enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for a plant-based pasta dinner, a veggie-packed weeknight meal, or just something comforting and wholesome, this Lentil Bolognese ticks all the boxes - and it’s simple enough for busy parents like you to make without stress.
Ingredients you'll need to make this family-friendly rice dish...
(serves 2 adults and 2 children, plus seconds)
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Mushrooms – 200g, chopped
- White onion – 1 large, peeled and diced into 1cm pieces
- Celery – 1 stick, diced into 1cm pieces
- Carrot – 1 small, peeled and diced into 1cm pieces
- Garlic – 2 cloves, peeled and finely chopped
- Mixed herbs – 1 tsp
- Tomato purée – 1 tbsp
- Chopped tomatoes – 400g
- Brown lentils, tinned and drained – 240g
- Water or stock – 400ml
- Pasta of your choice to serve
How to cook our lentil bolognese... (serves 2 adults and 2 children, plus seconds)
1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat.
2. Add the mushrooms, onion, celery and carrot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden.
3. Add the garlic and mixed herbs and cook for 1 minute, stirring well. Stir in the tomato purée and cook for another minute.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes, lentils and water (or stock). Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and rich.
5. Serve warm with pasta.
To serve...
Team this lentil bolognese with your family’s favourite pasta shape. For toddlers, smaller shapes work especially well for easy scooping and eating! Plus, our Children's Dietitian suggests teaming with cheese (or plant based alternative) or even cheesy garlic toast fingers!
Why we love this meal...
Packed with vegetables: Mushrooms, carrots, celery and tomatoes add variety, colour and texture to little plates, helping your toddler explore new flavours while sneaking in extra goodness.
Plant-based: A comforting, meat-free option the whole family can enjoy — and perfect if you’re looking to add more vegan or plant-based meals to your weekly rotation.
Ideal for batch cooking and weeknight dinners: Make a bigger batch, freeze the leftovers, and you’ve got a healthy, toddler-friendly meal ready in minutes for those busy evenings.
Lentil love: Lentils may be small, but they’re packed with fibre, protein, and other nutrients your growing child needs. They’re budget-friendly, gut-friendly, and easier to add to meals than you might think, making them a superstar ingredient in this hearty bolognese.
Tried this simple lentil bolognese recipe? We’d love to see! Tag us on Instagram @pots_for_tots.
And if you're looking for plant-based meals and snacks, you can find more on our menu here!
