When folks ask me what my favourite go-to recipe is, this Vegan Bolognese is at all times the reply! Wealthy, hearty, and so meaty you gained’t consider it’s vegan, this protein-packed dish bursts with taste. It’s simple to make and excellent for a comfy weeknight dinner or as a make-ahead meal.
*The pictures on this recipe have just lately been up to date, however relaxation assured, it’s nonetheless the identical tofu bolognese recipe that so lots of you’re keen on and make on weekly rotation!
FEATURED COMMENT:
That is SUCH a implausible recipe! In case you like meaty sauce, this hits it out of the park. My teenage daughter is continually asking me to make this. It’s SO scrumptious and also you’d by no means guess the “meat” is tofu! It’s SO good, by far my favourite recipe and it is tremendous simple!! Do your self a favor and make this right this moment! – David ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This vegan Bolognese provides conventional Italian Bolognese a plant-based twist by utilizing tofu as the bottom beef substitute. If you’re new to tofu or uncertain easy methods to use it, that is the recipe that may convert you!
The important thing to reaching that excellent meaty texture is to crumble and season the tofu. Then, bake the tofu crumbles within the oven till they turn into dry and chewy. As soon as baked, stir the tofu into the marinara sauce. The crumbles will take up the sauce, making a thick, chewy texture that even fooled a morning present host into considering it was actual meat! This recipe is straightforward to arrange and filled with wealthy taste, making it the most effective vegan Bolognese you will ever strive.
Not solely is The Finest Vegan Bolognese hearty and comforting, however it’s additionally extremely versatile. It may be made oil-free or gluten-free, and it freezes superbly, making it excellent for meal prepping. Whether or not you are feeding a household, planning for a busy week, or craving one thing indulgent but wholesome, this protein-packed dish is the only option for any event. Belief me, one chew of this thick, meaty sauce over pasta, and also you’ll be making it on repeat too!
Components
- Additional-firm tofu: That is what provides the vegan Bolognese its meaty texture. Belief me, this recipe converts even tofu haters! The tofu is crumbled, seasoned, and baked to attain that chewy, meaty chew. You should definitely use extra-firm tofu for the most effective outcomes.
- Dietary yeast: Provides a tacky, savory taste to the tofu crumbles. You could find it within the well being meals part of most grocery shops or on-line. You too can sprinkle a bit further as a garnish on the completed pasta for an additional taste enhance.
- Soy sauce: Supplies a salty, umami taste. For a gluten-free choice, use tamari.
- Olive oil: Helps coat and brown the tofu. For an oil-free choice, substitute vegetable broth.
- Chili powder, garlic powder, liquid smoke: A smoky, earthy mix of spices that provides the tofu depth and taste. In case you want an alternative choice to liquid smoke, change ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke with ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. This can present an identical smoky taste.
- Marinara sauce: The bottom of the vegan Bolognese. Use a jar of store-bought marinara (simply double-check it’s vegan) or your favourite selfmade marinara. I like to recommend My Household Favourite Tomato Sauce recipe from my cookbook Fuss-Free Vegan.
- Spaghetti or pasta of selection: Any pasta works nicely right here corresponding to spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, or linguini. Virtually all dried pasta is vegan, however you’ll want to double-check the elements. Use gluten-free pasta if wanted.ck the elements to make sure. You would additionally use a gluten-free pasta if wanted.
- Recent parsley or recent basil (non-obligatory): A recent, herbaceous garnish for further taste and colour.
- Vegan Parmesan cheese (non-obligatory): I really like topping my spaghetti Bolognese with grated selfmade vegan Parmesan. You would additionally strive my “Parmegan” recipe for a powdered model or use store-bought vegan Parmesan.
Methods to Make Vegan Bolognese:
Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a big baking sheet with parchment paper or calmly grease it.
Combine the tofu seasoning: In a big mixing bowl, whisk collectively the dietary yeast, soy sauce, olive oil (or vegetable broth for oil-free), chili powder, garlic powder, and liquid smoke to create a thick, brown paste combination.
Crumble the tofu: Break the tofu into giant chunks and add them to the bowl with the seasoning. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the tofu into crumbles. Stir the tofu crumbles nicely to coat evenly within the seasoning.
Bake the Tofu: Unfold the seasoned tofu crumbles evenly over the ready baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring each quarter-hour to forestall burning and guarantee even browning. The tofu will dry out and turn into chewy; the longer it bakes, the chewier and drier it’ll get. For a extra tender, meaty texture, bake the tofu for nearer to half-hour. For a chewier, meatier texture, bake for nearer to 40 minutes. Take away from the oven and put aside.
Prepare dinner the Pasta: Whereas the tofu bakes, deliver a big pot of water to a boil and cook dinner your pasta in accordance with the package deal instructions.
Warmth the Sauce: Whereas the pasta cooks, pour the marinara sauce into a big saucepan and produce to a simmer over medium warmth. As soon as the tofu is baked, stir it into the sauce. If the sauce is simply too thick, add a splash of water to regulate the consistency. Let the sauce simmer on medium warmth for about 5 minutes, permitting the tofu to soak up the flavors and the feel to turn into chewy and meaty. Season with salt and pepper to style if desired.
Serve: Serve the vegan Bolognese sauce over the cooked pasta. Garnish with recent parsley or basil, and sprinkle with vegan Parmesan if desired.
Storage/Freezing: Enable the sauce to chill utterly earlier than storing it individually from the pasta. Preserve in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 4 days. The sauce additionally freezes nicely; freeze in an hermetic container or freezer bag for as much as 3 months. Reheat gently within the microwave or in a pan over medium warmth till warmed via.
This vegan Bolognese recipe is…
- so meaty and scrumptious you will not consider it is vegan
- simple to make and freezes nicely
- my all-time favourite recipe 😍
What to serve with spaghetti bolognese:
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Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
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The Finest Vegan Bolognese Recipe
Servings:
Components
For the meaty tofu crumbles:
Forestall your display from going darkish
Directions
Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a big baking sheet with parchment paper or calmly grease it.
Combine the tofu seasoning: In a big mixing bowl, whisk collectively the dietary yeast, soy sauce, olive oil (or vegetable broth for oil-free), chili powder, garlic powder, and liquid smoke to create a thick, brown paste.
Crumble the tofu: Break the tofu into giant chunks and add them to the bowl with the seasoning. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the tofu into crumbles. Stir the tofu crumbles nicely to coat evenly within the seasoning.
Bake the Tofu: Unfold the seasoned tofu crumbles evenly over the ready baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring each quarter-hour to forestall burning and guarantee even browning. The tofu will dry out and turn into chewy; the longer it bakes, the chewier and drier it’ll get. For a extra tender, meaty texture, bake the tofu for nearer to half-hour. For a chewier, meatier texture, bake for nearer to 40 minutes. Take away from the oven and put aside.
Prepare dinner the Pasta: Whereas the tofu bakes, deliver a big pot of water to a boil and cook dinner your pasta in accordance with the package deal instructions.
Warmth the Sauce: Whereas the pasta cooks, pour the marinara sauce into a big saucepan and produce to a simmer over medium warmth. As soon as the tofu is baked, stir it into the sauce. If the sauce is simply too thick, add a splash of water to regulate the consistency. Let the sauce simmer on medium warmth for about 5 minutes, permitting the tofu to soak up the flavors and the feel to turn into chewy and meaty. Season with salt and pepper to style if desired.
Serve: Serve the vegan Bolognese sauce over the cooked pasta. Garnish with recent parsley or basil, and sprinkle with vegan Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Storage/Freezing: Enable the sauce to chill utterly earlier than storing it individually from the pasta. Preserve in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 4 days. The sauce additionally freezes nicely; freeze in an hermetic container or freezer bag for as much as 3 months. Reheat gently within the microwave or in a pan over medium warmth till warmed via.
Vitamin
Serving: 1 serving (recipe makes 4 servings) | Energy: 540kcal | Carbohydrates: 79g | Protein: 30g | Fats: 14g | Saturated Fats: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fats: 1g | Monounsaturated Fats: 3g | Sodium: 1142mg | Potassium: 984mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 944IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 121mg | Iron: 5mg