A Delicious Vegan Take on Classic Spaghetti Bolognese
This hearty dish combines minced tempeh with a rich tomato sauce, flavoured with fresh herbs and optional red wine. Perfect for a plant-based twist on a comforting classic.
Serves: 4
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
200g fresh tempeh
1 onion (red or white), chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
400g plum or cherry tomatoes (or any tomatoes), chopped
200ml vegetable stock
Handful of fresh basil leaves or 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
100ml red wine (optional)
Chillies (optional, for heat)
¾ packet of spaghetti
Salt and pepper to taste
Rapeseed, coconut, or avocado oil for frying
Method:
Prepare the Tempeh: Cube the tempeh and simmer in 250ml of vegetable stock for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool, saving the stock for the pasta sauce.
Make the Tempeh Mince: Once the tempeh has cooled, roughly blitz it in a blender or food processor (or chop finely with a knife) to achieve a mince-like texture.
Fry the Tempeh: Heat oil in a pan (rapeseed, coconut, or avocado oil works well) and fry the minced tempeh until golden brown. Alternatively, bake it in the oven for 10 minutes at 180°C. Set aside.
Make the Pasta Sauce: In the same pan, fry the chopped onion over medium heat until soft. Add the minced garlic and fry for 1 minute. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and continue frying for 5 minutes.
Add Liquids and SeasoningPour in the reserved vegetable stock and optional red wine. Season with salt, pepper, and basil (or mixed herbs). Simmer for 15 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens.
Combine the Tempeh with Sauce: Stir the fried tempeh mince into the sauce and heat for 1 minute. Turn off the heat.
Cook the Spaghetti: In a separate pot, boil water and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain well.
Finish the Dish: Place the pasta sauce back on the stove and heat gently until it simmers. Add the cooked spaghetti and stir for 1 minute to combine the flavors.
Serve and Garnish: Garnish with torn basil leaves and serve hot.
Enjoy your delicious vegan tempeh Bolognese with spaghetti!