I have experimented many different bolognese recipes since I’ve started my vegan journey, but this version will be my all time favorite. Don’t get me wrong, I like the other ones too but mushroom walnuts bolognese is the absolute winner for me.
This recipe is high in protein and delicious vegan alternative to traditional meat-based bolognese sauce. The combination of walnuts and mushrooms provide this rich, meaty texture and flavor that pairs wonderfully with any pasta.
Being able to recreate recipes that I used to eat as a non vegan feels fantastic. It feels so right to be able to achieve these wonderful flavors and at the same time do it in a cruelty free way. The crunchiness of the walnuts add a very interesting texture to the dish so I suggest that you not skip adding walnuts, even if it is just a little, throw some in there.
This dish is very simple but at the same time so hearty and rich. Even in non Italian households bolognese is made often, so for me and I’m sure many others this is a very nostalgic childhood dish, that is a reminder of home.
Now, let’s get into the fun part ..
Ingredients that we need for mushroom walnuts bolognese:
– 1 cup walnuts
– 500 grams of mushrooms
– 2 onions
– 5-6 cloves of garlic
-2 medium size carrots
– 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
– 3 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Sea salt to taste
– 1 tsp black pepper
– Cooked pasta of your choice (I used spaghetti)
Instructions:
1. In a food processor, add the onions, mushrooms, garlic, carrot and walnut. Blend it until you get an even texture, but don’t overdo it.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan and transfer the mix in it. Sauté the mix until it becomes translucent and fragrant. At this stage add the spices and the tomato sauce with a cup of warm water and let it cook for 20-25 minutes.
While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta.. I used spaghetti
3. You can also add some fresh tomatoes if you like, I usually do it if I have them sitting in the fridge, if not just use tomato paste. Also If desired, pour in some red wine and let it simmer for a minute or two to cook off the alcohol. These are some extra steps you can take, but even without these, you will still have super tasty bolognese.
4. Your sauce should be simmering at this stage, and you should have your cooked pasta. You can cook it according to the package instructions or until you get an al dente pasta. DO NOT overcook the pasta. Drain it and set it aside.
5. Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Now serve the mushroom walnuts bolognese sauce over the cooked pasta. You can always garnish it with basil leaves and grated vegan parmesan cheese .
Enjoy every bite of this hearty dish with your loved ones x
