Hearty Vegetarian Spaghetti Bolognese

Creating a vegetarian version of Spaghetti Bolognese that mimics the hearty flavors of a traditional meat sauce is a delightful culinary challenge. This recipe, crafted by you over a decade ago, combines familiar ingredients in a creative way to achieve a satisfying and meaty texture without using meat itself. Here’s a detailed exploration of your recipe:

Vegetarian Spaghetti Bolognese

Recipe Overview:

• Name: Spaghetti Bolognese Vegetarian
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Description: This recipe is beloved for its rich, meaty flavor reminiscent of a traditional bolognese sauce, adapted to be vegetarian-friendly.

Recipe Category: Spaghetti
Keywords: < 30 Mins, Easy

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 3 onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, finely diced
• 2 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp mixed spice (e.g., garam masala)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• Salt and sugar, to taste
• 250g spaghetti or other pasta of choice

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 127.1
• Total Fat: 7.3g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 418.6mg
• Carbohydrates: 15.4g
• Fiber: 3.2g
• Sugars: 7.4g
• Protein: 2.2g

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:

   • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft but not browned.

2. Cook Vegetables:

   • Add diced carrots to the skillet and continue cooking until they begin to soften.

3. Add Spices:

   • Stir in curry powder, mixed spice, parsley, and cumin powder. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Incorporate Garlic and Tomato Paste:

   • Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic. Then, stir in tomato paste until well combined with the vegetables.

5. Prepare Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP):

   • In a separate bowl, rehydrate TVP with 1 cup of water. Once hydrated, add it to the skillet with an additional 2 cups of water.

6. Season and Simmer:

   • Season with salt and sugar according to taste preferences. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the TVP is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.

7. Finish with Tomato Sauce:

   • Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to blend flavors. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

8. Cook Pasta:

   • While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti or your preferred pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.

9. Serve:

   • Serve the vegetarian bolognese sauce over cooked pasta. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

10. Enjoy!:

    • This versatile sauce pairs well with any type of pasta or even as a filling for lasagna.

Cooking Tips:

• Texture Enhancement: TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) is used here to mimic the texture of ground meat. Ensure it’s well hydrated and cooked through for best results.

• Flavor Variations: Adjust the spices and seasoning to suit your taste. You can add a dash of red pepper flakes for heat or extra herbs like oregano for more Italian flair.

• Make it Vegan: Substitute Parmesan cheese with a vegan alternative or omit it altogether.

• Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

This recipe not only satisfies cravings for a classic Italian dish but also offers a nutritious and flavorful option for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. It’s a testament to your culinary creativity and passion for creating delicious meals. Enjoy making and sharing this recipe with friends and family!