Vegan Creamy Spaghetti Bolognese: A Comforting Delight
Possible Ernest-Hemingway-style output:
Spaghetti bolognese, they say, is one of the world’s most popular dishes. But do you know what they don’t say? They don’t say that spaghetti bolognese can be vegan, creamy and delicious. Yes, you heard it right. This recipe will show you how to make a vegan creamy spaghetti bolognese that will leave your taste buds screaming with delight.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “How can you make spaghetti bolognese without beef or cream?” It sounds like a tricky challenge, but not impossible. You just need the right ingredients and some culinary skills. That’s where I come in. As a vegan chef, I’ve experimented with countless recipes to find the best vegan substitutes for traditional meat and dairy-based dishes. And let me tell you, this creamy vegan bolognese pasta sauce is one of my favorites.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the necessary ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for making the best vegan spaghetti bolognese at home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and adaptable to your preferences.
So join me on this culinary adventure and discover the magic of plant-based cooking. Who knows, maybe this vegan bolognese made with soy curls, grated carrots and onions diced finely will become your new signature dish. Bon appétit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As a vegan chef, I believe that every meal should be delicious and satisfying – and my Vegan Creamy Spaghetti Bolognese recipe definitely fits the bill. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to try out a new plant-based recipe, this spaghetti bolognese is sure to impress.
One of the reasons why you’ll love this recipe is its amazing creamy texture. Instead of using heavy cream or dairy, I’ve used vegan cream cheese along with oat milk or soy milk to create a rich and smooth sauce that pairs perfectly with the spaghetti. The creamy texture helps to coat each strand of spaghetti, making every bite a heavenly experience.
Not only does this dish taste great, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. All you need are some basic ingredients such as tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, dried thyme and grated carrots to create the base for the bolognese sauce. You can also choose to add soy curls or lentils for some added texture and protein. And since all the ingredients in this recipe are plant-based, it’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a hearty yet healthy meal.
Lastly, this Vegan Creamy Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to fit your taste buds. You can add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers to give it a flavor boost or leave out any ingredient you don’t prefer. You can even swap out regular spaghetti with whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb version!
Overall, you’re going to love this dish because it’s incredibly satisfying, comforting and easy to make with minimum effort. So give it a try, and let me know how much you enjoyed it!
Ingredient List
Here is what you’ll need for the best vegan spaghetti bolognese:
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced finely
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 2 stalks celery, diced finely
- 100 g vegan beef soy curls
- 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) of tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon of finely chopped dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Vegan Bolognese:
- 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 8 oz vegan cream cheese
- 1 cup of vegan heavy cream (oat milk or using soy milk to replace dairy)
- Salt and pepper to taste
To replace the soy curls, you could try lentils, mushrooms, white beans or any plant-based protein that suits your tastes. This list provided is all you need to make your own delicious vegan bolognese pasta sauce.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start cooking this Vegan Creamy Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe. Here is the step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious and creamy vegan pasta.
Prepare the Vegetables
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Step 1: Finely chop 1 medium-sized carrot, mince 2 garlic cloves, and dice 1 large yellow onion. You can use a food processor to save time.
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Step 2: In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Saute the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened.
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Step 3: Add minced garlic and saute for another minute.
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Step 4: Add grated carrots and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are tender.
Prepare the Sauce
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Step 5: Add one can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes, one can (14 ounces) of tomato sauce, and one teaspoon of dried thyme to the pot. Stir well to combine.
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Step 6: Add soy curls or lentils into the pot and stir well. Let it simmer for around ten minutes until the sauce thickens up.
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Step 7: Stir in vegan cream cheese or oat milk to create a creamy texture. Salt and pepper to taste.
Cook Spaghetti
- Step 8: In a separate pot, bring salted water to boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Combine Everything
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Step 9: Drain spaghetti and add it into the pot with bolognese sauce. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is covered evenly with sauce.
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Step 10: Serve hot with freshly cracked black pepper and garnish with fresh basil leaves on top.
Enjoy this sumptuous Vegan Creamy Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe. You won’t be able to discern the difference between a vegan version and a meat-based pasta dish.
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to mix things up, there are plenty of ways to do it with this recipe.
To replace the vegan cream cheese, you can use oat milk or any other plant-based milk to make a creamy vegan bolognese sauce. Another option is using soy curls instead of lentils for a meatier texture.
For a lighter version, skip the heavy cream and opt for a sauce made with diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.
If you don’t have thyme, you can use any herbs you have on hand such as basil or dried parsley. And if you prefer a chunkier texture, add grated carrots and diced celery to the pan before cooking down the bolognese sauce.
If you’re looking for a change from spaghetti, swap it out for another type of pasta like penne or rigatoni. You could also try making this recipe with mushrooms instead of lentils for a creamy mushroom pasta.
For a different kind of vegan bolognese sauce all together, try making a white bean pasta sauce or lentil bolognese sauce.
The possibilities are endless with this recipe – feel free to experiment and get creative with different substitutions and variations until you find your perfect bowl of creamy vegan spaghetti bolognese!
Serving and Pairing
Once your Vegan Creamy Spaghetti Bolognese is done, it’s time to get cozy and enjoy the delicious plate in front of you. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for any occasion. Serve it up with some freshly chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top for an added touch of color and flavor.
This creamy vegan bolognese pasta pairs well with a glass of red wine for a more mature dinner party. However, if enjoying this indulgent pasta on your couch, go ahead and pair it with your favorite TV show or movie. Trust me; this pasta has the power to take any Netflix bingeing session to the next level.
If you’re feeling adventurous, serve this creamy bolognese sauce recipe over different types of pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or ziti. Or maybe even try it with some vegan beef crumbles sprinkled on top.
For a simple yet satisfying meal that hits all the comfort food cravings, pair this vegan spaghetti bolognese with garlic bread or a side salad. And don’t forget to bring out those Parmesan shakers filled with grated nutritional yeast for an extra cheesy kick.
In summary, there are so many ways to enjoy this creamy vegan bolognese recipe. Whether you pair it with red wine, mushroom sauce, or white bean pasta — it’s sure to be delicious no matter what!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The good news is that this vegan creamy spaghetti bolognese recipe can be made ahead of time and stored easily for later consumption. This can be a great time-saver if you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a quick, healthy meal during the week.
To make-ahead, follow the recipe as outlined in sections (3) Ingredient List and (4) The Recipe How-To, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to two months.
When reheating, you can use either the microwave or stove. If using a microwave, simply add a bit of water and cook until warmed through. If opting for the stove-top, place the desired amount in a saucepan over medium heat and stir frequently until heated thoroughly.
It’s important to note that the longer this bolognese sauce sits in the fridge or freezer, the creamier it will become due to the vegan cream cheese. So don’t fret if the texture isn’t initially as creamy as you’d like. Just wait a few hours for the flavors to marry and enjoy your vegan spaghetti bolognese at your convenience.
Overall, this recipe is versatile enough to accommodate for your make-ahead needs and serves as an easy option for those busy weekdays where time seems limited.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the best vegan creamy spaghetti bolognese, use the best vegan ingredients. Here are some tips for perfect results:
Firstly, cooking the onion until it’s golden brown will enhance the flavor of the bolognese sauce. Secondly, when adding tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, let them simmer in the pot for 20 minutes to deepen their flavor.
Thirdly, don’t overcook the soy curls. Overcooking will make them chewy and tough. Follow the instructions on the bag and cook them until they are tender.
Fourthly, adding vegan cream cheese at the end of cooking gives the sauce a creamy texture. Stir in slowly until it dissolves into the sauce.
Fifthly, if you don’t have vegan cream cheese or oat milk in your pantry, try substituting with cashew milk or almond milk to add creaminess to your bolognese pasta without using heavy cream.
Lastly, for an extra flavorful bolognese sauce, add grated carrots along with diced onions and minced garlic. It will balance out the acidity of tomato sauce and add natural sweetness to it.
With these tips, you’ll be sure to create a delicious and creamy vegan spaghetti bolognese dish that will leave everyone wanting more. Bon appétit!
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be some questions or concerns that arise while making this vegan creamy spaghetti bolognese. To help ensure a delicious outcome, I have compiled some frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers below.
What can I use instead of dairy in bolognese?
In my experience, finding a suitable substitute for dairy in Bolognese sauce can be quite challenging. However, I have found that oat milk from Oatly is the best replacement due to its similarity in both taste and texture to cow’s milk. Despite experimenting with different plant-based options such as soy, almond, cashew, and rice milk in the past, I have had limited success in creating a desirable creamy consistency in my Bolognese sauce until I tried Oatly’s milk.
Can you substitute cream for milk in bolognese?
Here’s a secret for you – you don’t need to have half and half on hand to create a deliciously creamy pasta dish. If you find yourself without heavy cream, don’t fret. Instead, grab some whole milk and corn starch! To substitute for 1 cup of heavy cream, simply whisk together 2 tablespoons of corn starch with 1 cup of cold milk until everything is smooth. Now you can use this “milk and corn starch” mixture as a replacement for heavy cream in any recipe. Your pasta dishes will still come out perfectly creamy and satisfying.
What is vegan bolognese made of?
This recipe for Vegan Bolognese will take your taste buds on a flavorful adventure! Packed with mushrooms, ground walnuts, carrots, and onions, you’ll be surprised at how meaty and filling this dish can be without any actual meat. Prepare to be delighted with each savory bite!
What can I add to spaghetti bolognese to make it taste better?
When it comes to seasoning your sauce, opting for thyme, oregano or marjoram is a wise choice. However, it’s recommended to reserve one-third of your fresh herbs and add them to the sauce just before it’s served. By doing this, you’ll enhance the sauce’s taste, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this vegan creamy spaghetti bolognese recipe is the perfect dish for anyone who enjoys a hearty and tasty meal. The combination of rich and flavorful tomato sauce, vegan cream cheese, and aromatic thyme creates an irresistible taste that will leave you craving for more. And the best part is that you can easily customize the recipe to your liking by adding extra veggies or substituting different ingredients.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it is also very easy to make and can be ready in under an hour. So why not try making it tonight and add a little excitement to your next weeknight dinner?
Whether you are looking for a plant-based alternative to traditional bolognese sauce or simply want to try something new, this creamy vegan bolognese pasta is sure to impress. So don’t hesitate, get into your kitchen and start cooking up a storm! Bon appétit!
Vegan Creamy Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (12 ounce) package Boca meatless ground burger
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegan cream cheese
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 lb spaghetti
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the recipes crumbles and onion to the pan and sauté until the crumbles are defrosted and the onions are softened.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and thyme. Simmer the sauce for 15 minutes, taste and add more thyme if it's needed.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
- When the 15 minutes is up, add the vegan cream cheese and stir well to combine. Let it simmer for a few more minutes, then pour onto the pasta and toss.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.