Vegan Capellini Bolognese Pasta

A plant-based take this Italian classic meat sauce pasta dish. Meaty and hearty using plant based alternatives rich flavors come together. You can still make this even if you don't have white wine or heavy cream.

If you're a fan of traditional Italian cuisine but follow a vegan lifestyle, you don't have to miss out on the rich and savory flavors of a classic Bolognese sauce. With this easy vegan Bolognese sauce recipe, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying pasta dish that is entirely plant-based. With the flavors of extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, maybe some pine nuts and some cloves of garlic. Let's dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe, along with some helpful tips and variations to make it your own.

What is bolognese

Bolognese is a traditional Italian sauce originally from the city of Bologna, north of Italy. It is not that expensive nor complicated to create this traditional dish. Sauté sofrito, onions, pepper and celery, simmer ground meat with a little wine, milk, tin tomatoes and tomato paste and leave it on low to cook for 3 hours to achieve thickness. Fun fact, did you know that spaghetti bolognese is famous the world over but not in Bologna Italy? Italians actually find spaghetti bolognese inauthentic.

Variation

Traditionally served with wide noodles like tagliatelle, we are going to use capellini or Angel hair. We are also skipping the milk, wine and tomato paste, really simplifying the dish. We will use Trader Joe’s Groundless meat, tomato sauce, basil and feta instead of Parmesan. Feel free to add Truffle Oil if you have some on hand.

What you need

• Angel Hair: Thin pasta strands, often used in dishes like pasta primavera or aglio e olio.
• Aromatics (finely diced onions, garlic): Ingredients used to add flavor and aroma to dishes, commonly used as a base for many recipes, Italian seasoning, fresh
• Marinara: A tomato-based sauce, crushed tomatoes, san Marzano tomatoes, often used in Italian cuisine, perfect for pasta dishes like spaghetti and meatballs and traditional bolognese.
• Olive oil: A staple in Mediterranean cooking, used for cooking, dressing salads, and adding flavor to dishes.
• Vegan ground meat (plant protein): Plant-based alternative to traditional ground meat, suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
• Vegan feta and fresh herbs (basil or fresh parsley): Vegan feta cheese combined with herbs like dried basil, providing a flavorful and dairy-free option for dishes.

What you do

• Cook Angel hair for 3 minutes, strain and rinse through running cold water. cooking it al dente.
• Sauté aromatics (red onion and garlic) in a large skillet until fragrant
• Add in meatless ground beef in medium-high heat, keep on sautéing seasoning as you go
• Add marinara, turn heat to low and simmer
• Add noodles, mix thoroughly, top with chopped herbs and crumbled feta

Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. You can substitute different vegetables based on your preferences or what you have available. For example, you can add diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different types of mushrooms to add depth to the sauce. Maybe add some sun-dried tomatoes, chopped basil, bay leaves, red peppers and caramelized onions to level up the flavor. Top with crispy onions.

Variations

To add a touch of creaminess to the sauce, you can stir in some plant-based milk or cream towards the end of cooking. This will give the Bolognese sauce a luscious and velvety texture. Additionally, you can sprinkle some vegan Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast on top for added flavor. Red lentils can add to the texture and protein, red bell pepper is a nice addition too.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Absolutely! Just swap the regular capellini pasta for gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes! The Bolognese sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and cook the pasta fresh.

Storage

Leftover Bolognese sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cooked pasta should be stored separately from the sauce to prevent it from becoming mushy. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen up the sauce.

Expert Tips

- For a deeper flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. A spoonful of maple syrup is a good idea too.

- Don't be afraid to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Feel free to add more herbs, spices, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a hint of heat.

- If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can leave the vegetables slightly larger or use a food processor to pulse them instead of finely chopping.

Vegan Capellini Bolognese is a delightful and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of Italy to your plant-based table. Enjoy the rich and savory sauce paired with delicate capellini pasta for a truly comforting meal. Whether you're vegan or simply looking to explore more plant-based options, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.