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:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.

2. Add the grated carrot, courgette, red bell pepper, and mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti or pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

7. Taste the Bolognese sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your preference.

8. 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.