Fusili with Vegan Ragu

Trader Joe's giant fusilli vegan ragu is a delicious and hearty pasta dish made with plant-based ingredients. The giant fusilli pasta is cooked to perfection and then tossed in a rich and flavorful ragu sauce. The ragu sauce is made with a combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices, creating a robust and satisfying flavor. This vegan ragu is a great option for those following a plant-based diet or looking to incorporate more meatless meals into their routine. It is a filling and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish.

Why you’ll love this

Looking for a hearty and satisfying meal that's completely plant-based? Look no further! Our Fusili with Vegan Meat Sauce is a delicious and nutritious option that will leave you craving more. Packed with flavor, protein, and wholesome ingredients, this dish is perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike. Get ready to indulge in a comforting bowl of pasta goodness! 

Ingredients

- 8 ounces of fusili pasta (Giant Trader Joe’s Fusili or your favorite pasta shape)

- 1 tablespoon of olive oil

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 package of vegan ground meat substitute

- 1 can (14 ounces) of crushed tomatoes

- 1 teaspoon of dried basil

- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

- Vegan Cheese

What to do

1. Cook the fusili pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.

3. Add the vegan ground meat substitute to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in the dried basil and oregano. Stir well to combine.

5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve the cooked fusili pasta in bowls and top with the vegan meat sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

7. Top with vegan cheese, broil to melt for 5 minutes.

8. Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying Fusili with Vegan Meat Sauce!

Variations

There are several variations you can try when making Fusili with Vegan Ragu. Here are a few ideas:

Veggie-loaded Ragu: Enhance the nutritional value of your ragu by adding more vegetables. Consider adding diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce. Sauté them along with the onions and garlic before adding the tomato sauce.

Lentil Ragu: For a protein-packed twist, replace the vegan ground meat substitute with cooked lentils. Cook the lentils separately until tender, then add them to the sauce along with the tomatoes. This adds a hearty texture and boosts the protein content of the dish.

Spicy Ragu: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or chili powder to the ragu sauce. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. This will give your dish a kick and add a layer of complexity to the flavors.

Creamy Ragu: For a creamier texture, stir in some plant-based cream or cashew cream into the ragu sauce. This will add richness and a velvety consistency to the dish. Adjust the amount based on your desired level of creaminess.

Herb-infused Ragu: Experiment with different herbs to add a unique flavor profile to your ragu. Try adding fresh basil, oregano, or parsley to the sauce. You can also sprinkle some dried Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence for an aromatic touch.

Roasted Vegetable Ragu: For a deeper flavor, roast some of the vegetables before adding them to the ragu. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and adds a caramelized taste. Roast vegetables like eggplant, cherry tomatoes, or red onions, then chop them and incorporate them into the sauce.

Remember to adjust the cooking times and flavors accordingly when incorporating these variations. Feel free to mix and match or create your own unique twist on the classic Fusili with Vegan Ragu recipe. Enjoy experimenting and discovering your favorite combination!

Substitutions

Certainly! Here are some substitution ideas for Fusili with Vegan Ragu:

Pasta Substitutions:

• Instead of fusili, you can use other types of pasta such as penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni. Choose a shape that you enjoy or have on hand.

Tomato Sauce Substitutions:

• If you don't have tomato sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato puree as a base for your ragu. You may need to adjust the seasoning and cooking time accordingly.

Protein Substitutions:

• Instead of using vegan ground meat substitute, you can try using cooked and crumbled tofu, tempeh, or seitan. These plant-based proteins can provide a similar texture and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Vegetable Substitutions:

• Feel free to substitute or add different vegetables to the ragu based on your preferences and what you have available. Some options include diced eggplant, bell peppers, spinach, or kale.

Herb and Spice Substitutions:

• If you don't have specific herbs or spices on hand, you can use alternatives that you enjoy. For example, if you don't have basil, you can use dried or fresh parsley or oregano instead. Adjust the quantities to your taste.

Cheese Substitutions:

• If you want to add a cheesy flavor to your dish, you can use vegan cheese alternatives such as nutritional yeast, vegan parmesan, or a sprinkle of vegan mozzarella on top.

Remember to adjust the cooking times and flavors accordingly when making substitutions. Feel free to get creative and customize the recipe to your liking. Enjoy your delicious Fusili with Vegan Ragu!

Faq

What is vegan fusilli ragu?

• Vegan fusilli ragu is a pasta dish made with fusilli pasta and a vegan version of ragu sauce, which traditionally contains meat. The vegan version uses plant-based ingredients to mimic the texture and flavor of the traditional ragu.

What can I use instead of meat in vegan ragu?

• There are many options for meat substitutes in vegan ragu. You can use lentils, mushrooms, tempeh, seitan, or even finely chopped vegetables. Some people also use plant-based meat substitutes.

How to make ragu sauce?

• To make the ragu sauce, you'll typically sauté your meat substitute with onions, garlic, and other vegetables, then add tomatoes and let it simmer until it thickens. The exact ingredients and steps can vary depending on the recipe.

Can I use store-bought vegan ragu sauce?

• Yes, if you can find a vegan ragu sauce at your local grocery store, you can certainly use that to save time. Just be sure to check the ingredients to ensure it's truly vegan.

Can I add other vegetables to my vegan fusilli ragu?

• Absolutely! Adding more vegetables can make the dish more nutritious and flavorful. Some good options include bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or kale.

How long does vegan fusilli ragu last in the fridge?

• Cooked vegan fusilli ragu should last for about 3-5 days in the fridge. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Can I freeze vegan fusilli ragu?

• Yes, you can freeze vegan fusilli ragu. It's best to freeze it in individual portions for easy reheating. It should last for about 1-2 months in the freezer.

Is vegan fusilli ragu healthy?

• Vegan fusilli ragu can be a healthy meal option, depending on the ingredients you use. Using whole grain pasta, plenty of vegetables, and a plant-based protein source can make it a balanced and nutritious meal.

Can I make vegan fusilli ragu in advance?

• Yes, you can make vegan fusilli ragu in advance. You can prepare the ragu sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time, then combine them when you're ready to eat.

Can I use other types of pasta for vegan ragu?

• Yes, while fusilli is commonly used, you can use any type of pasta you prefer for vegan ragu. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.