Who doesn’t love a hearty plate of spaghetti bolognese? It’s a comfort food classic, cherished by many for its rich flavors and satisfying texture. Traditionally, this dish is made with ground meat, simmered in a savory tomato sauce and served over a bed of pasta. But what if I told you there’s a delicious vegan alternative that’s not only different but equally satisfying?
Introducing Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese – a plant-based twist on the beloved classic. While it may stray from the traditional recipe, it’s a worthy substitute that’s quick to make, healthy, and packed with protein. As someone who’s currently focused on increasing my protein intake, this dish has become a staple in my meal rotation.
Ingredients for the vegan Bolognese
The best part? You don’t need a laundry list of ingredients to make this dish – chances are, you already have everything you need in your pantry. So grab some soy granules, passata, veggies, and your favorite spices.
But here’s where it gets interesting – the secret ingredient: cocoa powder or dark chocolate. You might be wondering, why chocolate in a savory dish? Well, let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. The addition of cocoa powder or dark chocolate adds depth and richness to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile and giving it a subtle hint of sweetness that balances perfectly with the acidity of the tomatoes. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back.
And if you’re looking to boost the protein content even further, consider swapping out traditional spaghetti for lentil noodles. Not only are they gluten-free, but they’re also an excellent source of protein, boasting 26g per 100g serving.
Preparation
To make the vegan Bolognese, simply chop your veggies, sauté them until golden brown, add the passata and soy granules, let it all simmer until thick and flavorful, season to taste, and voila – a delicious, protein-packed meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.
If you’re on the hunt for more protein-rich recipes, be sure to check out my other creations. I’ll be sharing more nutritious dishes in the future, so stay tuned for updates!
And if spaghetti bolognese isn’t your thing, why not try my creamy pasta recipe instead? It’s another crowd-pleaser that’s sure to hit the spot.
Don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing your thoughts on this recipe, or connect with me on Instagram for more food inspiration. Happy cooking!
vegan Spaghetti Bolognese
Ingredients
- 150 g soy granular
- 500 g passata
- 2 carrots
- 1 onion
- 1 paprika
- 1-2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tsp cacao powder
- 2 tsp paprika powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp basil
- 2 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp majoram
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Finely chop onions, bell peppers, carrots, or any other vegetables you prefer.
- In a large skillet or pot, heat some oil over medium heat.Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and carrots (or other vegetables) to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the passata (strained tomatoes) into the skillet, covering the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine, then let the passata simmer for a couple of minutes.
- After the passata has simmered briefly, add the soy granules to the skillet.Stir well to combine the soy granules with the passata and vegetables.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, soy sauce, cocoa powder, bay leaves and other herbs and spices.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently.Allow it to cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together, about 15-20 minutes.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente.Drain the cooked pasta and set aside.
- Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.Remove the bay leaves from the sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy 🙂