Bolognese
This bolognese is always in my weekly rotation of meals, whether it’s in a lasagne, toasties or just on spaghetti.
I make two variations of this sauce; one with tempeh and the other with plant based mince. If you are looking for the healthiest, whole food option, go for the tempeh version. If you are wanting to confuse your fussy, meat eating friends and family, it’s hard to go past the plant based mince version.
Oh, and don’t forget to serve it with garlic bread!
Tip: this recipe is extremely kid friendly and has heaps of hidden veges; especially if you remove the bay leaf and blend the finished sauce in a food processor or blender at the end.
Serves 6
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 brown onion
2 large garlic cloves, crushed
2 sticks of celery
1 large carrot
1 zucchini
6 button mushrooms
1/2 tbsp mixed herbs (dried basil, oregano + thyme)
1 bay leaf
Salt + pepper to taste
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 cup red wine (a variety that you'd enjoy to drink)
400g plant based mince OR 300g tempeh, finely grated
700g passata
400g crushed tomatoes
1-2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
Method
Prepare the vegetables; dice the onion and finely dice the celery, carrot, zucchini and mushrooms.
Add olive oil to a large frypan with high sides and place over medium high heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes or until translucent.
Add the garlic, celery, carrot, zucchini, mushrooms, dried herbs, bay leaf and a good pinch of salt. Cook for 10 minutes or so, until the vegetables are soft.
Add the tomato paste and cook it off in the middle of the pan for at least 1 minute; this will help to remove any bitterness. Stir to combine and then turn up the heat to high. Pour in the red wine and reduce it down until it has almost all evaporated.
Add in the plant based mince OR grated tempeh, and break it up with a wooden spoon to avoid any large chunks. Pour in the passata and tinned tomatoes. Mix well.
Bring to the boil and then reduce down to low heat. Cover and cook for 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it cooks, the more the flavours will develop.
Finally, stir through the worcestershire sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
