Lentil Ragù

At The Green Grimoire, we don’t believe in shrinking meals, demonising carbs, or “earning” our food. We believe in eating to feel strong, fuel our training, and actually enjoy lunch.

By swapping pasta for lentils, we get all the depth and satisfaction of a classic ragù with more protein, more fibre, and serious volume.

This vegan lentil ragù paired with meat-free meatballs is my current go-to gym lunch. This recipe came about because I was trying to figure out my protein macros for my meal prep and we saw a tin of green lentils reduced to 13p in Tesco and the magic just happened!

After preparing this, I envision it becoming a staple in my Sunday Meal Prep routine. It's a high-protein, plant-based lunch that complements strength training, keeps you satiated for hours, and demonstrates that vegan food can be both practical and indulgent.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, finely diced

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)

• 1 tin brown or green lentils, drained and rinsed

• 2 tins chopped tomatoes

• 2 generous handfuls baby spinach

• Splash of balsamic vinegar

• 1–2 tbsp nutritional yeast (to taste)

• Salt & black pepper

• 
  

Method

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add the onion with a pinch of salt and cook for 8–10 minutes until soft and lightly golden. This is your flavour base — don’t rush it.

3. Add garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, and chilli flakes. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Stir in lentils and chopped tomatoes.

5. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, letting the ragù thicken and deepen.

6. Add baby spinach and stir until just wilted.

7. Finish with a splash of balsamic vinegar, nutritional yeast, and plenty of black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

   
   

Serve with meat-free meatballs, roasted vegetables, creamy polenta, or straight from the bowl like a post-leg-day reward.

Why This Ragù Works for Training Fuel

• High protein from lentils and meat-free meatballs

• High fibre for fullness and digestion

• Lentils add volume without restriction

• Batch-cook friendly and reheats beautifully

• Comfort food energy without food guilt

  
  

This is food that supports your body — not food that tries to control it.

This lentil ragù isn’t about swapping foods to be “good.” It’s about building meals that nourish, satisfy, and sustain you — whether you’re chasing a new PB or just trying to get through the day feeling strong.

Eat the Plants. Lift the things.

Blessed be,

Sam x