A frugal but delicious meal to warm you up in winter. This slow cooker lentil bolognese was a hit with my kids and is now on my regular meal rota.
Recipe:
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 sweet potato, chopped
- 1 portion butternut squash, chopped (about 100g)
- 2 small carrots, diced
- 1 red pepper, sliced
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 500 ml stock made with 1 veg stock cube
- Approx 150 g red lentils
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- 1 tsp dried basil (or use fresh and add it near the end)
Method:
- Put all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook for 2 hours on high then 2 on low.
- Check the lentils haven’t absorbed too much water during cooking.
- Thicken by turning to high and leaving lid off if needed for last hour, or use corn flour made up as per instructions on pack if required.
- Serve with pasta or rice, with some cheese grated on the top, and a green vegetable such as broccoli.
- Freeze any extra in portions.
I’m linking up to Credit Crunch Munch from Fuss Free Flavours and Fab Food 4 All, hosted this month by Elizabeth from Elizabeth’s Kitchen Diary. Using lentils to replace meat brings the cost of this bolognese right down, and using a slow cooker is cheaper than using an oven.
Elizabeth says
Mmm proper winter comfort food here! Thanks for sharing with the credit crunch munch!
bakingqueen74 says
Thanks Elizabeth, I didn’t manage to get any finished photos as it was eaten too quickly – must make it again and take some!
manjirichitnis says
I love red lentils and they are definitely a great way to bilk up dishes without loss of flavour making any dish so good and frugal !
bakingqueen74 says
I love the texture they add too, perfect to thicken up a stew!
munchiesandmunchkins says
Oh I do love a good spag Bol and I’m really enjoying lentils lately too. Have shared on all channels.xx
bakingqueen74 says
Love the fact they are so cheap, thanks for sharing
Bintu @ Recipes From A Pantry says
I need to use my slow cooker more. It looks rather good.
bakingqueen74 says
I love being able to chuck some ingredients in in the morning then being able to forget about it until dinner time
helenroastchickenandacountrywalk says
Me too me too – love lentils – and also love doing cheap but packed-with-flavour dishes! Helen x
fabfood4all says
Fabulous, I shall definitely be trying this soon! Thanks for a great #CreditCrunchMunch entry:-)
bakingqueen74 says
Marvellous, I hope you enjoy it 🙂
loverofcreatingflavours says
This looks delicious, right up my street. I am going to make it next week.