Welcome to our article on how to make vegan spaghetti bolognese, a delicious and easy recipe that is perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner. If you’re looking for a plant-based alternative to the traditional meat-based spaghetti bolognese, then you’ve come to the right place.
This recipe is not only tasty, but also easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe to be a breeze to make. The best part? You don’t have to be a vegan to enjoy it!
In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make vegan spaghetti bolognese. We’ll also provide you with information on the ingredients needed, variations of the recipe, and nutritional benefits. So, let’s get started on creating this delicious plant-based version of a classic Italian dish.
Ingredients for Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese
Before you start cooking, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients to make your vegan spaghetti bolognese. Here is a list of the ingredients you will need:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 400g |
| Tomato passata | 500g |
| Lentils | 1 can (240g) |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Garlic cloves | 2 |
| Carrots | 2 |
| Celery | 2 stalks |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Vegetable stock | 1 cube |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Some of these ingredients, like the lentils, vegetable stock, and tomato passata, can be found in the supermarket. However, if you’re having trouble finding some of these ingredients, don’t worry. You can always substitute anything you can’t find with something similar!
Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to start making your delicious vegan spaghetti bolognese!
Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start preparing the sauce. This vegan spaghetti bolognese sauce is the perfect combination of savoury, sweet and tangy flavors, and it’s super easy to make!
Here are the steps:
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan
- Add one chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it softens
- Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant
- Add 2 grated carrots and cook for 5 minutes until they soften, stirring occasionally
- Add 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and basil
- Stir well and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until it thickens
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
Note: For a creamier sauce, you can also add a splash of coconut cream at the end.
“This sauce is the perfect combination of savoury, sweet and tangy flavors!” – Lucy, vegan food enthusiast
How to Make Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese with Lentils
If you’re looking to add a protein boost to your vegan spaghetti bolognese, lentils are a great option. Not only do they provide a meaty texture, but they also add nutritional value to the dish.
Here’s how to make vegan spaghetti bolognese with lentils:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dry lentils
- 3 cups vegetable stock
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
1. Cook lentils: Rinse lentils and add them to a pot with vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
2. Prepare spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
3. Make sauce: In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add lentils to the sauce: Drain any excess liquid from the lentils and add them to the sauce. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.
5. Serve: Serve the spaghetti with the lentil bolognese sauce on top. Enjoy!
Tip: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry made with equal parts cornstarch and water to the sauce while it’s simmering.
Homemade Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese
Making vegan spaghetti bolognese from scratch has many benefits. Not only can you customize the recipe to your liking, but you can also ensure that all ingredients used are fresh and of high quality. Here are some tips for making homemade vegan spaghetti bolognese:
- Prep ahead of time: Chop all vegetables and measure out ingredients ahead of time to save time and make the process smoother.
- Cook pasta al dente: Cook the spaghetti until it’s al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This ensures that it won’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Serve hot: Vegan spaghetti bolognese is best served hot, so be sure to serve it as soon as it’s ready. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make a delicious homemade vegan spaghetti bolognese that will impress your friends and family. Enjoy!
Healthy Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese
Vegan spaghetti bolognese is not only delicious, but it is also a healthy alternative to traditional meat-based bolognese. With its rich tomato sauce and protein-packed lentils, this meal is sure to satisfy your hunger and keep you feeling energized.
But how exactly is vegan spaghetti bolognese healthy? Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional benefits of this dish:
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fiber | 10g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
As you can see, this dish is low in calories and fat, but high in protein and fiber. The lentils in the recipe provide a good source of plant-based protein, while the vegetables and tomato sauce offer plenty of fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.
In addition, vegan spaghetti bolognese is naturally low in cholesterol and saturated fat, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and other health conditions.
So not only is vegan spaghetti bolognese a tasty and satisfying meal, but it is also a healthy choice for those looking to improve their diet and overall well-being.
Best Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese
Don’t just take our word for it, try it out for yourself! This vegan spaghetti Bolognese recipe has received rave reviews from those who have tried it. The combination of hearty lentils and flavourful sauce creates a delicious and satisfying meal that will have even non-vegans coming back for seconds.
“I was sceptical about a vegan Spaghetti Bolognese but this recipe blew me away! So flavourful and filling. Definitely a new favourite in my house.” – Sarah
“I’ve been trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into my diet and this recipe was the perfect way to do it. The lentils provide a great source of protein and the sauce is so delicious. I’ll definitely be making this again!” – Mark
Give it a try and see for yourself why this recipe is considered one of the best vegan Spaghetti Bolognese recipes out there.
FAQ: Common questions about vegan spaghetti bolognese
Here are some common questions that people ask about vegan spaghetti bolognese:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like. Some options include whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Can I substitute the lentils?
Yes, you can use any type of legume you prefer, such as chickpeas, black beans, or kidney beans. You can also use vegan meat substitutes, such as soy crumbles or textured vegetable protein.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and cook the pasta.
What can I serve with vegan spaghetti bolognese?
You can serve your spaghetti bolognese with a side salad, some garlic bread, or even some roasted vegetables. It’s a versatile dish that goes well with a variety of sides.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze any leftovers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply defrost the sauce and cook some fresh pasta to serve with it.
Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?
Yes, you can add any vegetables you like to the sauce. Some good options include mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. This will also increase the nutritional content of the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for people with food allergies?
This recipe is suitable for people with dairy and egg allergies, but it contains gluten in the pasta. If you need a gluten-free option, simply substitute the pasta for a gluten-free alternative.
