The Best Vegan Bolognese Recipe
Description: When people ask me what my favorite go-to recipe is, this Vegan Bolognese is always the answer! Rich, hearty, and so meaty you won’t believe it’s vegan, this protein-packed dish bursts with flavor. It’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a make-ahead meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (gluten-free if preferred) )
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable broth for oil-free)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 block (350 g/ 12.3 oz) extra-firm tofu (drained (no need to press it)
- 3 cups marinara sauce (700ml jar or homemade)
- 12 oz spaghetti (or pasta of choice (gluten-free if preferred)
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves (optional for garnish)
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix the tofu seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the nutritional yeast, soy sauce, olive oil (or vegetable broth for oil-free), chili powder, garlic powder, and liquid smoke to create a thick, brown paste.
- Crumble the tofu: Break the tofu into large chunks and add them to the bowl with the seasoning. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the tofu into crumbles. Stir the tofu crumbles well to coat evenly in the seasoning.
- Bake the Tofu: Spread the seasoned tofu crumbles evenly over the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even browning. The tofu will dry out and become chewy; the longer it bakes, the chewier and drier it will get. For a more tender, meaty texture, bake the tofu for closer to 30 minutes. For a chewier, meatier texture, bake for closer to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: While the tofu bakes, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package directions.
- Heat the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, pour the marinara sauce into a large saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Once the tofu is baked, stir it into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to adjust the consistency. Let the sauce simmer on medium heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors and the texture to become chewy and meaty. Season with salt and pepper to taste if desired.
- Serve: Serve the vegan Bolognese sauce over the cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and sprinkle with vegan Parmesan if desired.