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Vegan Bolognese

This vegan Bolognese is a hearty, savory sauce made with finely chopped mushrooms, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, simmered slowly to develop deep flavors. The sauce has a rich, thick consistency with a glossy appearance, perfect to coat pasta and evoke comforting, traditional flavors without meat. It’s a mindful, tactile cooking process that results in a fragrant, satisfying dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 carrots finely grated
  • 2 stalks celery diced small
  • 200 g mushrooms cremini and shiitake, chopped small
  • 400 g crushed tomatoes canned
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 tbsp olive oil good quality
  • basil fresh basil chopped, added at the end
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wide saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a good drizzle of olive oil. When the oil shimmers and starts to ripple, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes, until the kitchen fills with a warm, savory aroma.
  2. Add the grated carrots, diced celery, and chopped mushrooms to the skillet. Stir well and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables release their juices and begin to caramelize, turning a deep golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. This step develops the rich, umami flavor of the sauce.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in the dried oregano and thyme. Stir everything together, ensuring the vegetables are coated evenly with the tomato base. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and deepens in color.
  4. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend it briefly with an immersion blender, but I like it chunky and hearty. Stir in freshly chopped basil just before serving for a bright, aromatic finish.
  5. Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded, turn off the heat. Serve the vibrant, fragrant Bolognese sauce over your favorite cooked pasta, garnished with extra basil if desired. Enjoy the comforting aroma and savory depth of this plant-based classic.

Notes

For an even richer flavor, let the sauce rest for 10 minutes off heat to allow the flavors to deepen. You can also prepare this sauce ahead and reheat gently before serving.