High-Protein Vegan Ragu Recipe (2024)

Published: by Nisha Melvani, RDN · This post may contain affiliate links · 14 Comments

Jump to Recipe

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

  • How To Cook Frozen Tofu: A Step By Step Guide
  • Best Vegan Patties Recipe
  • Baja Bowl Recipe
  • Health Salad

👩🏽‍🍳 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!

Vegan Pasta Recipes

  • Pasta with Tahini Sauce
  • Simple Chickpea Recipes
  • Zucchini Lasagna (42g Protein)
  • Orzo Pesto Salad

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

  1. Nashwa R

    High-Protein Vegan Ragu Recipe (19)
    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

  2. Meryl

    High-Protein Vegan Ragu Recipe (20)
    Tasty, hearty, filling and Absolutely delicious!

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      Thank you so much. So glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply

  3. 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

  4. Joanna Brooks

    High-Protein Vegan Ragu Recipe (21)
    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

  5. Vinni S

    High-Protein Vegan Ragu Recipe (22)
    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

  6. 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

  7. 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? ›

It combines minced beef with a tangy tomato sauce, mushrooms and the unique ribbon texture of tagliatelle pasta that soaks up the sauce. But the best thing is it comes in at just 454 calories per serving and give you a fab 24g protein boost to boot.

How do you make Ragu taste richer? ›

Mix in Some Meat

Mixing meat into your jarred pasta sauce will do wonders for making it taste high-quality. Browning and adding some sausage, turkey, chicken or ground beef will increase your sauce's flavor, incorporate extra texture, infuse a heartier taste and up the protein content.

What is a meat ragu? ›

Ragù is a meat-based sauce, typically served with pasta. Traditionally, pieces of meat (often beef, pork, game, or even horse), are cooked on a low heat in a braising liquid (this is usually tomato or wine-based) over a long period of time.

Is bolognese a ragu? ›

While Ragu and Bolognese are similar, and in fact, Bolognese is a form of ragu, there are a few key differences worth considering. Ragu sometimes includes vegetable chunks, properly prepared Bolognese does not. Ragu typically uses red wine, while Bolognese calls for white.

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.

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.

Why add milk to a ragu? ›

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”. She adds: “It also makes the mince meat nice and tender, creating that melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.”

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

A generous sprig or two of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, rosemary, or sage can all amp up the flavor of a jarred pasta sauce. 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.

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 is the best cut of meat for ragu? ›

🥩 Best beef cut for ragu

I use fairly inexpensive braising or stewing steak – often known as chuck steak, which comes from the forequarter. Usually, this consists of parts of the neck, shoulder blade, and upper arm. It's a tough but very flavorful cut of meat.

What is ragout vs ragu? ›

Most of us are at least familiar with Sauce Bolognese, a classic tomato-based Ragù usually made with ground beef. The French ragout is a simmered stew of fish, meat, or vegetables. While it could be served with pasta or other starches such as couscous or polenta, it can definitely stand on its own.

What is the difference between sugo and ragu? ›

What is the difference between sugo and ragu? Sugo is much more a sauce in the terms of it being more liquid. A ragu is more often chunkier with additional vegetables and many times with meat added to it. Similar because they both use tomatoes, ragu tastes less of tomatoes and more of everything else that you include.

What pasta 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.

Do Italians put carrots in bolognese? ›

Ingredients include a characteristic soffritto of onion, celery, and carrot, different types of minced or finely chopped beef, often alongside small amounts of fatty pork.

When to add milk to ragù? ›

Set the lid askew over the pan and cook for about 2 hours, adding a couple of tablespoons of milk from time to time. By the end all the milk should have been added and absorbed, and the ragù should be rich with the texture of thick soup.

Is spaghetti a good source of protein? ›

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? ›

Regular pasta doesn't contain as much protein as traditional protein sources like meat (chicken contains 31 grams of protein per cup), or veggie protein sources like tofu (which contains 20 grams of protein per cup). However, if you aren't counting your carbs, then regular pasta is an excellent protein supplement.

How much protein is in beef ragù? ›

Nutrition Facts
NutrientValue%DV
Protein26g
Calcium15mg2%
Iron3mg35%
Potassium363mg8%
83 more rows

Is spaghetti with meat sauce high in protein? ›

Profile of Protein in Item

100g of Spaghetti and Meat Sauce contains 5.8g of protein, which is about the same as 1 egg, 0.2 chicken breasts, or 0.4 cups (112g) of black beans.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ms. Lucile Johns

Last Updated:

Views: 6437

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ms. Lucile Johns

Birthday: 1999-11-16

Address: Suite 237 56046 Walsh Coves, West Enid, VT 46557

Phone: +59115435987187

Job: Education Supervisor

Hobby: Genealogy, Stone skipping, Skydiving, Nordic skating, Couponing, Coloring, Gardening

Introduction: My name is Ms. Lucile Johns, I am a successful, friendly, friendly, homely, adventurous, handsome, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.