Indulge in a comforting bowl of Vegan Ragu with Risoni, a delightful dish that brings together simple ingredients and rich flavors. This easy vegan ragu recipe, featuring Trader Joe's beefless substitute, marinara sauce, and aromatic herbs, offers a satisfying twist on traditional Italian ragu. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together in no time and makes for an excellent meal prep option. With its delicious goodness and heartiness, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, bringing the taste of Italy right to your dining table. Serve it up with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and enjoy it al dente!
Are you a fan of hearty Italian cuisine but follow a vegan lifestyle? Look no further! In this blog post, we'll be sharing a mouthwatering recipe for Vegan Risoni & Ragu using Trader Joe's beefless or vegan substitute, onions, marinara, and tomato paste. Get ready to indulge in a cruelty-free version of this beloved dish that will leave you wanting more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Plant-Based Goodness: By using vegan substitutes, you can enjoy the flavors and textures of a traditional Risoni & Ragu dish without compromising your ethical choices.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you'll have a delicious dinner ready in no time.
- Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to personalize this dish to your taste. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients
- 1 package of Trader Joe's beefless or vegan substitute
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 jar of marinara sauce (check for vegan-friendly options)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 cups of risoni (rice-shaped pasta)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Steps
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add Vegan Substitute: Stir in the package of Trader Joe's beefless substitute and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until golden brown.
- Mix in Tomato Paste: Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to the skillet and mix well, allowing it to incorporate and deepen in flavor.
- Pour in Marinara Sauce: Add the jar of marinara sauce to the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
- Cook Risoni: In a separate pot, cook 2 cups of risoni in boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine and Season: Once the ragu has thickened, add the cooked risoni to the skillet. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Enjoy your comforting Vegan Ragu with Risoni warm!
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some chopped cremini mushrooms, red bell peppers, or zucchini for added texture and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or include sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
- Lentil Ragu: Substitute the vegan ground meat with cooked red lentils for a hearty, fiber-rich twist.
Substitutions
- Vegan Substitute: Use any plant-based ground meat of your choice, such as lentils or mushrooms.
- Marinara Sauce: If marinara sauce isn’t available, use tomato sauce or homemade tomato passata.
- Risoni: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles instead of risoni.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this vegan ragu in advance?
A: Yes! The ragu can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to a month.
Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: This vegan ragu pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread, salad, or as a filling for stuffed peppers. It can also be served over rice or quinoa for added protein.
Top Tip
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a dash of red wine to the ragu while it simmers.
Hint
For an added nutritional boost, sprinkle some nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan cheese on top before serving. Enjoy your meal!
Risoni & Vegan Ragu
Ingredients
- 1 Pack Trader Joe's beefless or vegan substitute
- 1 Whole onion
- 1 Bulb garlic
- 5 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Pack Risoni (rice shaped pasta)
- fresh herbs
- vegan cheese
- spices
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Crumble the Trader Joe's beefless or vegan substitute into the skillet and cook until it browns slightly, resembling the texture of ground meat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and tomato paste, ensuring that the ingredients are well combined. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Meanwhile, cook the risoni according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked risoni to the skillet with the ragu sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the Vegan Risoni & Ragu hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired. Pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
