Vegan Bolognese Recipe: A Hearty and Plant-Based Twist on a Classic Dish
Looking for a vegan-friendly twist on the classic Bolognese? Look no further! Our vegan Bolognese recipe is the perfect combination of savoury flavours and wholesome ingredients that will delight both vegans and non-vegans alike. By substituting traditional meat with plant-based alternatives, you can enjoy a delicious and cruelty-free version of this Italian favourite.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1 medium courgette, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 225g of mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 can (400g) of crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 225g of vegan ground meat substitute (e.g., textured soy protein, lentils, or tempeh)
- 120ml cup of vegetable broth or water
- 35g of fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
- Cooked spaghetti or pasta of your choice
Instructions:
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
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Add the grated carrot, courgette, red bell pepper, and mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
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Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the vegan ground meat substitute. Cook it according to the package instructions until browned and heated through.
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Mix the cooked vegan ground meat substitute with the sautéed vegetables, and stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, soy sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Pour in the vegetable broth or water, reduce the heat to low, and let the sauce simmer for at least 20 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.
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While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti or pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
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Taste the Bolognese sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your preference.
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Serve the vegan Bolognese sauce over the cooked spaghetti or pasta. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of freshness and aroma.