02/14/2026
🍅 One-Pan Lentil + Gnocchi Bolognese
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small carrot, grated (adds natural sweetness 👌)
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 cup red lentils (rinsed)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
2½–3 cups vegetable broth
500g shelf-stable gnocchi
Salt & black pepper to taste
¼ cup milk or cream (optional, for creamier finish)
Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Grated parmesan (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Sauté the base
Heat olive oil in a large deep pan over medium heat.
Add onion + carrot and cook 4–5 minutes until soft.
Add garlic, chili flakes, oregano, basil. Cook 30 seconds (don’t burn the garlic).
2. Build the sauce
Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute.
Add crushed tomatoes, rinsed lentils, and vegetable broth.
Season with salt + pepper.
Bring to a gentle boil.
3. Add gnocchi (straight into the same pan!)
Once simmering, stir in the gnocchi.
Cover and cook 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until:
Lentils are tender
Gnocchi are soft
Sauce is thick and rich
If it gets too thick, splash in more broth or water.
4. Finish it
Stir in milk or cream (if using).
Taste and adjust salt/pepper.
Top with parmesan + fresh herbs.