Description
This Vegan Bolognese delivers all the rich, hearty flavors of traditional Bolognese—without the meat! Crumbled tempeh mimics the texture of ground beef, while marinara sauce, Italian herbs, and umami-packed Marmite create a deeply satisfying sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is nutritious, comforting, and perfect for weeknights!
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 7 oz tempeh, crumbled
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ red hot pepper, deseeded and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon Marmite (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- Vegan Parmesan, for topping
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
-
Crumble the Tempeh:
- Use your fingers or a food processor to break tempeh into small, ground meat-like crumbles.
-
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
-
Cook the Tempeh:
- Add crumbled tempeh and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
-
Build the Sauce:
- Stir in garlic and red pepper, cooking for 1 minute.
- Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, thyme, and Marmite.
-
Simmer:
- Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
-
Assemble & Serve:
- Serve the sauce over hot spaghetti.
- Garnish with vegan Parmesan and fresh basil.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and replace Marmite with tamari for umami flavor.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots for more texture and nutrition.
- Different Protein: Swap tempeh for lentils, walnuts, or textured vegetable protein (TVP).
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper or add chili flakes for extra heat.
- Creamy Bolognese: Stir in a splash of coconut cream or cashew cream for added richness.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 20min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired