Your Traditional Bolognese Just Got Better, Try This Vegan Recipe

|Updated Nov 5, 2021

RECIPE OF THE DAY: MONDAY, DECEMBER 2

THE DISH: Tofu Bolongnese 

FROM:  @vegamelon

WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s the first snow day here in New York, and we want something warm and filling to eat for dinner. This comfort food dish is quick and easy--you will already have most of the ingredients at home. 

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 10 Minutes, Cook: 25 Minutes.

TOTAL INGREDIENTS: 12 plus salt and pepper

MAKE IT FOR: A comforting dinner or cook it for your Italian dinner party. Serve it with a toasted baguette with vegan butter and garlic. 

SPECIAL NOTE: The recipe is easy to follow, start by boiling water in a pot for the pasta. (If you need to start prep the day before or order ingredients online, we will let you know that here. Otherwise, assume the dish can be shopped, prepped and served the same day with readily available ingredients.)

Ingredients

  • 8oz dry pasta of choice
  • 2tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion finely diced
  • 3cloves garlic minced
  • 2 large carrots finely diced
  • 2stalks celery finely diced
  • 2tsp Italian herbs
  • 1/2tsp dried oregano or to taste
  • 1/2tsp red chili flakes
  •  salt & pepper to taste
  • 3tbsp tomato paste
  • 115-oz can crushed tomatoes 425g; or use pureed fresh tomatoes
  • 1/2block firm / extra-firm tofu 200g; I used House Foods

Instructions

  1. In a pot, boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a skillet and add in onion and garlic.
  3. Saute for 4-5 minutes, then mix in the carrots, celery, and seasoning ingredients (herbs, salt & pepper, chili flakes, tomato paste).
  4. Incorporate well using a spatula, and cook for 5 more minutes, until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the tomatoes and use your hands to crumble the tofu into the skillet. Cover the pot, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes on medium heat.
  6. Once the tomato sauce has thickened, remove from heat and season again to taste — adding more salt, pepper, herbs, etc.
  7. Serve the bolognese on top of your cooked pasta and enjoy!