Mushroom and Lentil Ragù

Traditionally, ragù gets its signature savory flavor from slow-cooked meat like ground beef or pork. In this vegetarian version, a mix of sautéed mushrooms, such as oyster and cremini, lends earthy flavor and texture, while black lentils — a quicker-cooking legume than green or red lentils — gives the sauce body. Simmered in a red wine sauce fortified with vegetable broth, the lentils become tender and creamy, resulting in a hearty sauce that comes together in less than an hour and proves to be more than the sum of its parts. Serve over creamy cooked polenta or fresh pappardelle for a filling meal. 

How do black lentils differ from other types of lentils?

Black lentils cook faster than green or brown lentils and have a rich, nutty flavor, while green lentils are more peppery, and red lentils tend to be sweeter. 

What should I serve with this ragù?

You could serve this ragù over creamy cooked polenta or fresh pappardelle pasta, or with crusty bread on the side to mop up the sauce. 

Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

Like any ragù, this dish relies entirely on building layers of flavor. Sautéing the mushrooms, onions, and carrots until browned and toasting the tomato paste creates a deep foundation of umami. Deglazing the brown bits at the bottom of the Dutch oven with wine and stock infuses the lentils and sauce with rich, savory notes.

Suggested pairing

Pair a bowl of this cozy ragù with a chilled light red, such as Marie et Olivier Horiot Rosé des Riceys En Barmont. 

“Don’t let the name fool you: Marie et Olivier Horiot Rosé des Riceys is a light red that is served deliciously chilled. Riceys is a commune in Southern Champagne that turns out every style of wine from opulent Champagnes to [Burgundian-style] still whites and reds. This wine offers ripe brambly fruit, subtle minerality, loads of finesse, and an earthiness that makes this wine a lovely pairing for mushrooms and lentils.” —Lee Campbell, Borgo, New York City 

This recipe was developed by Anna Theoktisto; the text was written by Andee Gosnell.