Vegetable Bolognese with Jackfruit or Mushrooms
Plant-based Bolognese sauce featuring shredded jackfruit or mushrooms, sautéed with aromatics and vegetables, simmered in dairy-free milk, red wine, and tomato paste. Rich, savory, and satisfying over pasta. Naturally vegan and adaptable for gluten-free diets.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow or sweet onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt(optional)
- olive oil or broth, for sautéing(optional)
- 2 cans (14 oz each) jackfruitmushroomsequal weightumamitexture
mushrooms provide earthier flavor, similar meaty texture
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup dairy-free milk, cashew or other
- ½ cup red wine, or broth(optional)
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Tamari, or soy sauce
- pasta, of choice
- vegan Parmesan
Instructions
- 1
Sauté onion, garlic, salt, and oil or broth until onions begin to brown.
- 2
Add jackfruit or mushrooms, carrots, celery, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook until jackfruit and vegetables are well browned.
- 3
Stir in dairy-free milk, red wine or broth, tomato paste, and Tamari. Simmer until sauce reduces and thickens.
- 4
Cook pasta to preference. Combine with sauce, thinning with pasta water if desired.
- 5
Top with vegan Parmesan and serve.
Tips
Taste sauce before adding full salt amount, as jackfruit and mushrooms vary in saltiness.
Browning vegetables and jackfruit develops deeper, more complex flavor.
Add pasta water gradually to reach desired sauce consistency.
Good to Know
Refrigerate sauce in airtight container up to 5 days. Freeze up to 3 months.
Prepare sauce fully 1-2 days ahead. Reheat gently before serving.
Serve hot over cooked pasta with vegan Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
Common Mistakes
Underbrowning vegetables and jackfruit—cook 10 minutes to develop depth of flavor.
Skipping taste-test before adding full salt—jackfruit and mushrooms already contain salt.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
adjusts creaminess slightly
General Alternatives
mushrooms provide earthier flavor, similar meaty texture
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