Easy Vegan Bolognese Sauce

It's time to give your pasta dishes an overhaul and try something completely new in the kitchen. Say hello to the best vegan bolognese recipe! It's a hearty yet healthy alternative to the classic Italian ragu. You won't believe how flavorful and delicious this vegan twist can be. The prime ingredients like mushrooms, tomatoes, and walnuts provide an incredible depth of flavor that you won’t find anywhere else. This quick and easy meal is bound to become a family favorite. It's perfect for any taste or occasion!

Why You'll Love This Vegan Bolognese Recipe

Hearty- This classic pasta sauce hails from the Northern Italian city of Bologna. It's rich and satisfying but not too heavy. 

Delicious- Vegan Bolognese is packed with flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve it over your favorite long pasta, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Freezes Well- Make a double batch of this bolognese and freeze half for a future meal. It's the perfect way to have an easy, healthy, and delicious dinner on hand when you're short on time.

Family-Friendly- This Bolognese sauce is a great way to sneak some veggies into your kids' dinner. They'll never know mushrooms and carrots are in the sauce because they are so finely chopped.

Minimal Prep- Vegan bolognese comes together quickly and easily with minimal prep. Grate the veggies, sauté in a pan, then let the sauce simmer away on the stove.

What Is Bolognese?

Traditional bolognese, also known as ragu alla Bolognese, is an Italian classic meat-based sauce typically served with pasta. It often includes crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and a variety of vegetables and herbs in addition to traditional beef or pork. This meat-free version swaps out animal products for mushrooms and walnuts to still give the sauce that satisfying texture. The result is an absolutely delicious, flavorful, and versatile sauce perfect for any pasta dish. Serve it over spaghetti, lasagna, or even stuffed shells for a delicious and hearty meal.

Equipment Needed

• Skillet
• Food Grater
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Stirring Spoon
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients

Olive Oil- Used to sauté the vegetables and give the bolognese a richer flavor.

Mushrooms- Gives the bolognese some texture. Be sure to chop or grate them finely before cooking.

Purple Onion- Onion adds depth of flavor, savoriness, and complexity to the sauce.

Carrot- Adds sweetness and flavor to the dish, as well as nutritional value.

Salt- Enhances the flavor of the sauce and helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.

Black Pepper- Adds subtle spiciness and flavor to the sauce.

Walnuts- A great source of protein, walnuts give this vegan bolognese its meaty texture.

Tamari Sauce- Adds umami and saltiness to the dish and helps round out all of the flavors.

Chopped Tomatoes- Used as a base for the sauce and adds sweetness and acidity.

Tomato Paste- Adds acidity and depth of flavor to the sauce.

Italian Herbs- Fresh rosemary, oregano, and fresh thyme add a nice herbal flavor to the sauce.

Vegetable Broth- Thins out the sauce and adds additional flavor.

How To Make Vegan Bolognese Sauce

Making a classic Italian ragú is more simple than it sounds. Start by chopping the mushrooms and grating the onion, carrot, and walnuts on a food grater. Then heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped mushrooms to the heated skillet and cook until tender. Add onion and carrots, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook, while stirring, for about 3 minutes before adding walnuts and tamari. Make a well in the center of the mushroom mixture to add tomato paste, canned tomatoes, and Italian herbs. Stir well while cooking for about 5 more minutes, then add the vegetable broth. Simmer the sauce for about 15 minutes or until the desired temperature is reached. Serve immediately over freshly cooked pasta, and enjoy!

What to Serve With Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese sauce is traditionally served with pasta, but there are so many other delicious ways to enjoy it! Serve this hearty and flavorful sauce over zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or your favorite type of pasta. Top with freshly grated vegan Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or fresh basil leaves for the perfect finishing touch. Bolognese sauce is also delicious and served as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or used as a pizza sauce.

Popular Substitutions & Additions

While this bolognese recipe is delicious as written, there are a few popular substitutions and additions you can make to suit your taste.

• For a thinner sauce, add more vegetable broth or some pasta water to the pot. Alternatively, for a thicker sauce, add less broth or let the sauce simmer for a more extended time.
• If you don't have tamari, you can substitute coconut aminos or soy sauce.
• Try adding a teaspoon of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. You can also add a splash of red wine or white wine vinegar for added depth of flavor.
• If you like a sauce with a kick, add a bit of crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste.
• Fresh garlic, fresh basil, and additional Italian herbs and spices are all delicious additions to this bolognese sauce.
• Nutritional yeast makes a great substitute for vegan parmesan cheese.
• Use cooked lentils in place of walnuts if you have a nut allergy.
• A can of crushed tomatoes and tomato puree can be used in place of chopped tomatoes.
• Vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, or vegan butter can all be used in place of olive oil.

Feel free to get creative and add your favorite flavors!

Can You Freeze Homemade Bolognese

Yes! Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or the freezer. When stored properly, the leftover sauce will last up to 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

To reheat, allow the bolognese to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop while stirring occasionally until heated.

The Best Vegan Bolognese Sauce FAQs

Can I Freeze Homemade Vegan Bolognese Sauce?

Yes! Bolognese sauce freezes well and can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Keep it in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent it from drying out.

Do I Have To Use Walnuts In Vegan Bolognese?

No, you don't have to use walnuts in vegan bolognese. You can substitute them with another type of finely chopped nut, such as cashews or almonds. If you have a nut allergy, you can make vegan bolognese with mushrooms and cooked red lentils to make a lentil bolognese, or omit them altogether if you prefer.

Is Bolognese Sauce Gluten-free?

Yes, as written, this vegan bolognese recipe is gluten-free. Be sure to check all labels on store-bought ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. If you don't have naturally gluten-free tamari on hand, I would suggest using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce because most soy sauce brands do have gluten.

Can I Use A Food Processor Instead Of A Food Grater?

Yes, you can use a food processor to grate the carrots, onion, and celery. Place the chopped veggies in the food processor and pulse until they are finely grated.

What is the best type of mushroom to use in this bolognese recipe?

Cremini mushrooms are the most popular type of mushroom used in this bolognese sauce, as they have a slightly meaty texture and earthy flavor. However, you could also use shiitake mushrooms or button mushrooms if you prefer. For a more intense flavor, try using porcini mushrooms.