Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese

A Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese is a fantastic, hearty dish that still packs all the rich flavor of the classic! Here’s a simple recipe to make it:

Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese

Ingredients:

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, grated or finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 zucchini (optional), diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped (cremini or button mushrooms work well)
• 1 cup red lentils (or 1 can of lentils, drained and rinsed)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1-2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for umami)
• 1 cup vegetable broth or water
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)

For the Spaghetti:

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti (gluten-free if desired)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   • Heat olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the grated carrot, celery, zucchini (if using), and mushrooms. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and released their moisture.
2. Cook the Lentils:
   • Add the red lentils to the pan and stir to combine with the vegetables.
   • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable broth (or water). Stir everything together.
   • Add the dried oregano, basil, smoked paprika (if using), soy sauce, salt, and pepper. If using red wine, add it now.
   • Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally, and add more liquid (broth or water) if it gets too thick.
3. Cook the Spaghetti:
   • While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions.
   • Once the pasta is cooked, drain and set aside.
4. Combine and Serve:
   • Once the Bolognese sauce is ready, taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or soy sauce if needed.
   • Serve the Bolognese sauce over the cooked spaghetti.
5. Optional Garnishes:
   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and vegan Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

This vegan Bolognese is super satisfying and can be made ahead of time. The flavors tend to deepen after a day or two, making it perfect for meal prep. Serve with a side salad or some garlic bread, and you’re good to go!

Would you like any side dish suggestions to go with this?