High-Protein Vegan Ragu Recipe (2024)

Published: by Nisha Melvani, RDN · This post may contain affiliate links · 16 Comments

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Looking for a flavorful and high-protein vegan meal? This easy vegan ragu recipe combines delicious vegetables, high-protein lentils, and spices to create a satisfying and nutritious dish. Serve with pasta, polenta, or a grain of your choice. Try it out now!

this RECIPE

This vegan ragu is delicious with any grain! Drizzle with my Falafel Sauce mixed with whole-grain mustard! Or this Creamy Nut-Free Dressing.

High-Protein Vegan Ragu Recipe (2)

This recipe is a plant-based version of the traditional Italian meat-based ragu sauce. Instead of using ground meat, it uses lentils for over 30 grams of plant-based protein, plus your choice of eggplant or mushrooms for texture and flavor.

Traditional ragu sauce is typically made with tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and various herbs and spices, but I decided to go for an extra burst of flavor. I used sun-dried tomatoes, rich in the antioxidant lycopene, as well as kalamata olives for a Sicilian-style vegan ragu sauce.

This vegan ragu recipe was inspired by my one-pot , as well as this Tofu Chili recipe with 35 grams of plant-based protein.

Jump to:
  • 👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients
  • 🥫 Substitutions
  • 📖 How to Make Vegan Ragu
  • ✔️ Expert Tips
  • 🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs
  • 🍽 Related Recipes
  • 👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

The ingredients are very versatile. There are many options listed in the recipe card.

High-Protein Vegan Ragu Recipe (3)
  • Eggplant, mushrooms, or a mixture of both
  • Red, green, or brown lentils
  • Rice, pasta, farro, quinoa, polenta, or a different grain for serving
  • Vegetable broth
  • Harissa (optional)
  • Tomato paste
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Lemon
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Kalamata olives
  • Crushed red pepper (optional)
  • Parsley

See the recipe card for quantities.

🥫 Substitutions

  • Eggplant - substitute with an equal amount of mushrooms (oyster, cremini, portabella, or shiitake)
  • Lentils - use red, brown, or green lentils. Brown and green will require more water or broth as needed. Cook them until al dente for a more chunky vegan ragu.
  • Harissa substitute: Use 1 teaspoon smoked paprika + 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari + 2 additional tablespoons tomato paste instead.
  • Walnuts - optional for adding a tasty crunch and heart-healthy omega-3s.
  • Season with a splash of lime juice for a tang!
  • Adding oil from the sun-dried tomatoes is excellent for developing a creamy texture and more flavor. I typically add about 2 tablespoons (optional).
  • Dried herbs - add about 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and basil as desired
  • For serving - pasta, rice, quinoa, polenta, or farro

For more protein-packed recipes, visit my Vegan Protein Meals page.

📖 How to Make Vegan Ragu

For the full recipe with quantities, scroll down to the bottom of the post. This is an overview.

High-Protein Vegan Ragu Recipe (4)

Step 1. Transfer the eggplant to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. You may need to do this in batches.

High-Protein Vegan Ragu Recipe (5)

Step 2. Combine the eggplant, red lentils, onion, garlic, and broth in a large skillet. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are cooked, adding more broth or water as needed to keep the lentils submerged in liquid.

High-Protein Vegan Ragu Recipe (6)

Step 3. Meanwhile, in the same food processor as the eggplant, blitz the sauce ingredients. Combine the sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, harissa, olives, garlic, lemon juice, crushed red pepper, and maple syrup.

High-Protein Vegan Ragu Recipe (7)

Step 4. Transfer the sauce ingredients to the cooked eggplant and lentil mixture. Add 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, or plain water and stir to incorporate. Cook until warmed through, adding more water, or oil from the sun-dried tomatoes, as needed until the desired consistency.

High-Protein Vegan Ragu Recipe (8)

Step 5. Add walnuts, if using. Mix well to fully incorporate.

High-Protein Vegan Ragu Recipe (9)

Step 6. Seasonwith pepper and adjust maple syrup to taste. Garnish with parsley. Serve with pasta, polenta, or a grain of your choice.

✔️ Expert Tips

  • Toast the walnuts before chopping them for even more flavor. I prefer to use raw walnuts as heat may damage their healthy fat, reducing their nutrient content.
  • Meal prep a large batch of vegan ragu and serve it with polenta one day, and pasta the next. This way you have two healthy dinners and you only cook once!
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftover Vegan Ragu in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

Is eggplant healthy?

Eggplant appears to be neuroprotective and may help preventParkinson's disease based on an unidentified phytonutrient.
Eggplants may also offer protection against the development of cancer, as they have been shown to have a high capacity to bind to carcinogenic bile acids, which help remove bile acids from the body.
As with nearly all vegetables, variations in preparation methods may dramatically change the bioavailability of their health-promoting components. This vegan ragu recipe uses a cooking method that helps preserve the health-promoting effects of eggplant.

What is the difference between a Bolognese and a ragù?

Bolognese sauce, also known as "ragù alla bolognese," originates from the city of Bologna in northern Italy. It is a specific type of ragù that has become popular worldwide.
It tends to have a thicker and creamier texture and traditionally uses finely chopped or ground beef, sometimes mixed with pork or pancetta (Italian bacon). Ragù, on the other hand, can refer to a broader category of Italian meat-based sauces that may include various types of meat such as beef, pork, veal, or a combination of these.
Bolognese sauce is traditionally served with flat pasta like tagliatelle or fettuccine, whereas ragù can be served with various types of pasta, polenta, or used in other dishes such as lasagna.

What are the ingredients in a traditional ragù sauce?

Aromatics: onions, carrots, and celery, finely diced – known as "soffritto"
Tomatoes: crushed or pureed tomatoes
Wine: red or white wine (to deglaze the pan after browning the meat)
Broth: beef or chicken broth
Herbs and Spices: bay leaves, thyme, oregano, and sometimes a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon
Milk or Cream: a small amount is sometimes at the end for creaminess

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👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?

Share your high-protein Vegan Ragu creation with me onInstagram. It makes my day to see you recreate my recipes.

I would love it if you would ⭐️ rate this recipe and leave a comment. Thank you in advance.

📖 Recipe

High-Protein Vegan Ragu Recipe (14)

Vegan Ragu

Nisha Melvani

Over 30 grams of plant-based protein, this easy vegan ragù recipe combines delicious vegetables and spices to create a healthy vegan dinner. Serve with pasta, polenta, or any grain!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Vegan

Servings 6 servings

Calories 591 kcal

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces pasta or 4 ½ cups cooked polenta or 3 cups cooked rice
  • 12 ounces eggplant (about 1 medium) cut into about 2-inch pieces
  • 2 cups dried red lentils
  • 1 large yellow onion small dice
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth preferably low sodium

For the sauce:

  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes jarred and preserved in oil
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons harissa (see notes for substitute)
  • ¼ cup pitted kalamata olives rinsed
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 large lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or to taste

Other ingredients:

  • 1 cup walnut pieces finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 ½ cups water or pasta cooking water
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta, or a grain of your choice, according to the directions on the packet. If using pasta, reserve 1 ½ cups of the pasta cooking water when draining.

  • Chop the eggplant: Transfer the eggplant to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. You may need to do this in batches.

  • Cook the lentils and eggplant: Combine the eggplant, red lentils, onion, garlic, and broth in a large skillet. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are cooked, adding more broth or water as needed to keep the lentils submerged in liquid.

  • Make the sauce: Meanwhile, in the same food processor as the eggplant, blitz the sauce ingredients. Combine the sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, harissa, olives, garlic, lemon juice, crushed red pepper, and maple syrup.

  • Combine: Transfer the sauce ingredients to the cooked eggplant and lentil mixture. Add 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, or plain water and stir to incorporate. Cook until warmed through, adding more water or oil from the sun-dried tomatoes, as needed until the desired consistency.

  • Add walnuts, if using. Mix well to fully incorporate.

  • Season with pepper and adjust maple syrup to taste. Garnish with parsley. Serve with pasta, polenta, or a grain of your choice.

Notes

    • Nutrition information includes pasta.
    • Eggplant - substitute with an equal amount of mushrooms (oyster, cremini, portabella, or shiitake)
    • Lentils - use red, brown, or green lentils. Brown and green will require more water or broth as needed. Cook them until al dente for a more chunky vegan ragu.
    • Harissa substitute: Use 1 teaspoon smoked paprika + 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari + 2 additional tablespoons tomato paste instead.
    • Walnuts - optional for adding a tasty crunch and heart-healthy omega-3s.
    • Season with a splash of lime juice for a tang!
    • Adding oil from the sun-dried tomatoes is excellent for developing a creamy texture and more flavor. I use about 2 tablespoons (optional).
    • Dried herbs - add about 1 teaspoon each dried oregano and basil as desired
    • For serving - pasta, rice, quinoa, polenta, or farro

Nutrition

Calories: 591kcal | Carbohydrates: 117g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 258mg | Potassium: 1693mg | Fiber: 25g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 640IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 121mg | Iron: 10mg

This information is provided as a courtesy and is an ESTIMATE only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

  1. Beth

    High-Protein Vegan Ragu Recipe (19)
    This was deeeelish! Easy, too! We skipped the walnuts and didn't miss them. I didn't have harissa, but used the suggested substitution instead. My teens liked it, too, so it's going into the regular rotation.

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      Sop glad it worked out.Thank you for sharing your version here.

      Reply

  2. Nashwa R

    High-Protein Vegan Ragu Recipe (20)
    I made the mushrooms and red lentils version today. Loved it! Thank you!

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      I'm so glad it was a hit. Thank you!!!

      Reply

  3. Meryl

    High-Protein Vegan Ragu Recipe (21)
    Tasty, hearty, filling and Absolutely delicious!

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      Thank you so much. So glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply

  4. Shannon

    The harissa I have is dried not paste. How would you recommend using?

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      You can certainly add some to taste with the other seasonings. Use 1 teaspoon harissa powder, 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari + 2 additional tablespoons tomato paste instead. Adjust the harissa to taste.

      Reply

  5. Joanna Brooks

    High-Protein Vegan Ragu Recipe (22)
    10 out of 10! So yummy, right from the first bite. Love love love it.

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      Awww thank you for commenting. Made my day to know it's a hit!

      Reply

  6. Vinni S

    High-Protein Vegan Ragu Recipe (23)
    So surprised how delicious this is despite me overcooking the lentils! Such a great way to increase protein; thank you

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      Thank you for your comment! I think this is one of those surprisingly delicious recipes:) I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply

  7. lg

    Hi Nisha - wanted to share my thoughts on this post: you are great at explanations! Pics, step by steps, doubling recipe, videos, shopping list, WOW - so very impressive & professional...hence, credibility. Not gonna try this recipe (didn't excite me) BUT can't wait to check out your chickpea recipe. I'm looking for high protein vegan and/or limited meat dishes. Just wanted to let you know my thoughts 💜. Just a super busy teacher

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      Thank you. Glad you find it helpful.

      Reply

  8. Michelle Leckie

    What is the sauce you poured over it in the video? Thanks

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      I just added it. It's this tahini sauce: https://cookingforpeanuts.com/easy-falafel-sauce-recipes/#recipe plus whole grain mustard mixed into it.

      Reply

High-Protein Vegan Ragu Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is ragu high in protein? ›

As always, calories are not as important as what nutrition makes up those calories. This recipe is 342 calories per serving. High Protein - 32 grams of protein per serving in this recipe which is fantastic. Protein keeps hunger away and makes you feel fuller.

What is the difference between ragu and bolognese? ›

Ragu sometimes includes vegetable chunks, properly prepared Bolognese does not. Ragu typically uses red wine, while Bolognese calls for white. Bolognese uses very little tomato, while ragu sauces often feature tomatoes for most of the sauce's bulk.

How do you make Ragu taste richer? ›

Add the rind from a piece of Parmesan cheese while simmering the sauce to add a bit of nutty, salty flavor. Before serving, grate high-quality Parmesan or pecorino cheese over the dish. Want something heartier? Spoon in a couple tablespoons of ricotta cheese for a rich and creamy tomato sauce.

What is tomato ragout? ›

One of the most popular and beloved recipes in Italy, ragù is a sauce made from tomatoes and ground or chopped meat, which is cooked for a long time. It is normally made with tomato sauce, celery, onions and carrots, ground beef and/or pork, some white wine and aromatic herbs like basil and bay leaf.

What sauce is high in protein? ›

Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce

There are so many benefits to adding more cottage cheese to your diet. It is an excellent source of protein, high in vitamins, and much lower in fat and calories than cream.

Is ragù healthy for weight loss? ›

As the name suggests, Ragu's Simply Traditional Sauce is made with simple, wholesome ingredients like tomatoes, olive oil, onions, and garlic, without any added sugars or artificial ingredients. This means you're getting a sauce that is rich in flavor but low in empty calories.

Do Italians put milk in bolognese? ›

It sounds unconventional to use milk in a meaty red sauce, but upon further investigation, it makes total sense why Italians swear by it. According to our Food Director Amira, not only does milk add a rich flavour to the bolognese, but it also “helps cut through the acidity of the tomatoes and red wine”.

Do Italians use ragù? ›

In Italian cuisine, ragù (Italian: [raˈɡu], from French ragoût) is a meat sauce that is commonly served with pasta. An Italian gastronomic society, Accademia Italiana della Cucina, documented several ragù recipes. The recipes' common characteristics are the presence of meat and the fact that all are sauces for pasta.

What is the best cut of meat for ragù? ›

You could also use beef blade, oyster, skirt or topside for this recipe. These cuts of meat become lovely and tender when slow cooked. Once cooked, the ragu can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place ragu in a saucepan over medium-low heat.

What does milk do to ragu sauce? ›

Milk is a magical ingredient when it comes to bolognese. First, the lactic acid and calcium in milk help to tenderize the meat. More than that, though, milk balances the wine and tomato, creates a creamier texture and adds richness (similar to how butter or yogurt add more richness and flavor to dishes).

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

Season With Fresh or Dried Herbs and Spices

Alternatively, some of those herbs, like parsley, sage, and rosemary, can be great minced up and gently fried into fresh olive oil before adding the sauce to the pot. Keep in mind that when you add the fresh herbs will depend on the herb and the flavor you want.

How to jazz up ragu spaghetti sauce? ›

Maybe it needs a touch of salt, red pepper flakes, or some fresh garlic to liven it up. You could add dried or fresh herbs too: oregano, basil, thyme, tarragon, parsley—they're all great! Want to go next level? Toss in some chopped anchovies (or anchovy salt), olives, or some lemon zest and/or juice.

What does "sugo" mean? ›

(ˈsuːɡəʊ ) noun. an Italian sauce served with pasta.

What pasta shape is best for ragù? ›

Tubular shapes like penne and ziti are perfect with hearty, thick sauces like ragu. Rigate, the ridged ones, capture even more sauce. Wide, flat pastas like pappardelle are ideal for sopping up creamy sauces. Generally, the wider the noodle, the heavier the sauce.

What do Italians call ragù? ›

Here's the gist: the two ways Italians say “sauce” in Italian are salsa and/or sugo. Both words translate as “sauce” but never as “gravy.” Ragù doesn't even translate as “gravy” but comes close enough since it involves meat which is what people really mean when they say “gravy” (my personal opinion).

What pasta is high in protein? ›

For example, the protein content of lentil and chickpea pasta can reach up to 15 grams per serving, which is nearly twice as much as regular pasta. Soybean or edamame-based pasta can boast three times the protein content of regular pasta, with up to 25 grams per serving.

Is ragù sauce healthy? ›

Ragu Roasted Garlic Parmesan

While this may not seem like an incredibly high amount, keep in mind that most serving sizes for pasta sauce are half a cup, not a quarter. If you're enjoying half a cup of this sauce with your pasta, the calories, fat, and sodium start to add up quickly.

Is spaghetti a good source of protein? ›

Spaghetti has 8 grams of protein in a 1-cup serving, or 16% of the recommended daily protein for adults. 3 Some brands make a noodle slightly higher in protein, with 10 grams of protein in a 2-ounce serving.

Is pasta a high quality protein? ›

Traditional pasta is made with wheat flour and typically offers about 7 grams (g) of protein in a 2-ounce serving. “High-protein” may not be explicitly stated on every type of pasta in this selection. However, each one delivers 10 g of protein or more.

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