Very Easy and Tasty Vegan Bolognese Recipe
Vegan Bolognese is a perfect main dish sauce to serve to vegan and vegetarian guests. The Bolognese, easy and tasty, is prepared with granulated soy, rehydrated in boiling water and cooked in a pan with a soffritto of celery, carrot, onion, garlic and bay leaves, then blended with red wine and cooked with tomato paste and vegetable broth.
Once the sauce is ready, simply boil the fresh pasta without eggs and mix it with the latter; you can buy it ready-made or make it at home. A veggie reinterpretation of the great classic of the Italian and Emilian tradition, this dish is also excellent for celiacs or those intolerant to eggs and lactose and will win over even the most demanding omnivore: it will be ideal for Sunday lunch or a special dinner.
What is Vegan Bolognese?
Bolognese sauce, or ragù alla bolognese, originated in Bologna, Italy, and dates back to at least the 18th century. Unlike the tomato-heavy ragù found in southern Italy, traditional Bolognese is a slow-simmered meat sauce made with ground beef, pork, or veal, white wine, milk, and just a touch of tomato. The first official recipe was recorded in 1891 by Pellegrino Artusi, and since then, it has become a staple of Italian cuisine.
The vegan version of Bolognese is a more recent innovation, emerging in the 20th and 21st centuries as plant-based eating gained popularity. Instead of meat, it uses soy crumbles, lentils, mushrooms, or walnuts to create a hearty, umami-rich sauce while maintaining the slow-cooked depth of flavor. Today, vegan Bolognese is beloved not just by vegans but by anyone looking for a lighter, plant-based alternative to the classic dish.
Pro Tips for The Best Vegan Bolognese
- Cook the onions, carrots, and celery (soffritto) over low heat until soft and golden. This builds a deep, rich base for the sauce.
- If using textured soy protein (TVP), soak it in hot vegetable broth for extra flavor before adding it to the sauce.
- Choose canned San Marzano tomatoes or a good-quality tomato passata for a naturally sweet, rich sauce.
- Let the sauce cook slowly for at least 30-40 minutes. The longer it simmers, the richer and more complex the flavor.
- A pinch of sugar, grated carrot, or a splash of plant-based milk can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Adding red or white wine enhances the depth of flavor. Make sure to let it fully cook off before adding other liquids.
- Taste and adjust with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for a well-rounded flavor. A dash of soy sauce or miso can add extra umami.
- Tagliatelle is the traditional choice, but pappardelle or even rigatoni work well to hold the sauce.
- Just like traditional Bolognese, the sauce tastes even better after resting for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld
How Do I Make Vegan Bolognese Tasty?
To make vegan Bolognese rich and flavorful, start by slowly sautéing onions, carrots, and celery for depth. Use textured soy protein, lentils, or mushrooms for a hearty texture, and deglaze with red or white wine for complexity. High-quality tomatoes and a long simmer enhance richness, while soy sauce, miso, or nutritional yeast add umami. Finish with fresh herbs and olive oil for a balanced, delicious sauce!
Can I Use Something Else, Instead of Soy?
Yes! Instead of soy, you can use lentils, mushrooms, walnuts, or a mix of all three for a hearty, meaty texture. Brown or green lentils hold their shape well, finely chopped mushrooms add umami, and crushed walnuts provide richness. You can also try quinoa or grated tempeh for variety.
Is This Vegan Bolognese Gluten-Free?
Yes! The vegan Bolognese sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, as it’s made with soy, vegetables, tomatoes, and seasonings. However, to keep the entire dish gluten-free, be sure to serve it with gluten-free pasta or alternatives like zucchini noodles or polenta.
What Can I Serve With This Vegan Bolognese?
This vegan Bolognese pairs perfectly with tagliatelle, spaghetti, or gluten-free pasta, but you can also serve it over mashed potatoes, polenta, or even stuffed in bell peppers for a creative twist. For a lighter option, try it with zucchini noodles. A side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad completes the meal beautifully!
Can Vegan Bolognese Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! Vegan Bolognese can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Does Vegan Bolognese Freeze Well?
Yes! Vegan Bolognese can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
How to Store Vegan Bolognese
To store vegan Bolognese, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
When reheating, warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to restore its consistency.
Ingredients
How to Make Vegan Bolognese
Bring plenty of water to the boil in a pan, then turn off the heat and pour in the soy granules; let them rehydrate for 10 minutes.
Bring plenty of water to the boil in a pan, then turn off the heat and pour in the soy granules; let them rehydrate for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, pour a drizzle of oil into a saucepan and fry the chopped carrot, celery and onion, a clove of garlic and two bay leaves.
Meanwhile, pour a drizzle of oil into a saucepan and fry the chopped carrot, celery and onion, a clove of garlic and two bay leaves.
Once the soaking time has elapsed, drain the soy granules and transfer them to the pan with the soffritto.
Once the soaking time has elapsed, drain the soy granules and transfer them to the pan with the soffritto.
Mix and let everything flavor for a few minutes, then blend with the red wine and let the alcohol evaporate.
Mix and let everything flavor for a few minutes, then blend with the red wine and let the alcohol evaporate.
Continue with the tomato puree.
Continue with the tomato puree.
Also add a spoonful of tomato paste.
Also add a spoonful of tomato paste.
Finally, cover with the vegetable broth and the hot water.
Finally, cover with the vegetable broth and the hot water.
Mix well, cover with a lid and cook on a very low flame for 45-50 minutes.
Mix well, cover with a lid and cook on a very low flame for 45-50 minutes.
Once cooked, season with salt and pepper.
Once cooked, season with salt and pepper.
The vegan Bolognese is ready to be enjoyed. To prepare a delicious pasta dish, boil the tagliatelle in lightly salted boiling water.
The vegan Bolognese is ready to be enjoyed. To prepare a delicious pasta dish, boil the tagliatelle in lightly salted boiling water.
Drain the pasta, transfer it to the pan with the sauce and mix everything well. Then, plate them.
Drain the pasta, transfer it to the pan with the sauce and mix everything well. Then, plate them.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
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