Vegan Mushroom & Walnut Bolognese: A Hearty and Flavorful Twist on a Classic
Description
This Vegan Mushroom & Walnut Bolognese is a delicious and hearty twist on the classic Italian sauce. Made with finely chopped mushrooms, crunchy walnuts, and a rich tomato base, this dish is packed with umami and depth of flavor. It’s perfect for pasta lovers looking for a healthy, plant-based alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. Whether served over spaghetti, rigatoni, or zucchini noodles, this sauce will become a new favorite in your home.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil (for depth and to carry flavors)
1 small onion, finely chopped (adds sweetness and depth)
2 cloves garlic, minced (essential for flavor complexity)
1 medium carrot, finely diced (adds subtle sweetness and texture)
1 celery stalk, finely diced (enhances the base flavors)
8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, finely chopped (provides umami and meaty texture)
1 cup walnuts, finely chopped or pulsed in a food processor (adds heartiness and healthy fats)
2 tbsp tomato paste (intensifies the tomato flavor and adds richness)
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (creates the saucy base)
½ cup vegetable broth (helps deglaze and maintain moisture)
2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (adds depth and umami)
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (balances the acidity and enhances sweetness)
1 tsp dried oregano (for a classic Italian herb flavor)
1 tsp dried basil (complements the tomatoes and adds warmth)
½ tsp smoked paprika (adds a subtle smoky depth)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
8-12 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice (to serve)
Fresh basil and vegan parmesan (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, carrot, and celery, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
Cook the Mushrooms & Walnuts: Add the chopped mushrooms and walnuts to the pan. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and the mixture begins to brown slightly.
Build the Flavor: Stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.
Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld, and the sauce will thicken beautifully.
Taste & Adjust: Add salt and black pepper to taste. If you prefer a slightly richer sauce, drizzle in an extra teaspoon of olive oil or balsamic vinegar.
Serve & Enjoy: Cook your pasta according to package instructions. Drain and toss with the sauce, or serve the sauce over the pasta. Garnish with fresh basil and vegan parmesan, if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving, without pasta)
Calories: ~210
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 4g
Fat: 14g
Iron: 10% DV
Vitamin C: 15% DV
Bolognese is the ultimate comfort food, rich, hearty, and packed with deep flavors that warm the soul. When I first went vegan, I feared I’d never find a replacement that lived up to my childhood memories of slow-simmered meat sauce over a bed of pasta. But after many trials and tweaks, I discovered that mushrooms and walnuts create the perfect combination of texture and umami depth. This recipe has since become a staple in my kitchen, loved by vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether you’re new to plant-based eating or just looking for a new favorite, this Vegan Mushroom & Walnut Bolognese is guaranteed to satisfy.
This Vegan Mushroom & Walnut Bolognese is a game-changer. It’s proof that you don’t need meat to create a deeply flavorful, satisfying pasta sauce. Whether you're sharing it with family, meal-prepping for the week, or enjoying a cozy dinner, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Try it once, and you’ll never look at vegan bolognese the same way again!
Ingredient Importance:
Mushrooms: These are key for their umami depth and meat-like texture.
Walnuts: Provide a satisfying crunch and healthy omega-3 fats.
Tomato Paste & Crushed Tomatoes: The backbone of the sauce, adding acidity, sweetness, and umami.
Soy Sauce & Balsamic Vinegar: These enhance the overall depth of flavor and balance the acidity.
Smoked Paprika: A subtle hint of smokiness that mimics the depth found in traditional slow-cooked meat sauces.
Aromatics (Onion, Garlic, Carrot, Celery): Build the base flavor of the sauce, making it rich and complex.
Tips for the perfect Bolognese:
Finely Chop Ingredients: To create the best texture, make sure the mushrooms and walnuts are finely chopped or pulsed in a food processor.
Let it Simmer: The longer the sauce simmers, the deeper the flavors will develop. If you have time, let it cook for an extra 10-15 minutes.
Use High-Quality Tomatoes: A good brand of crushed tomatoes will make a significant difference in taste.
Deglaze the Pan: Use vegetable broth or a splash of red wine to deglaze the pan and enhance the sauce’s complexity.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste your sauce as it simmers and adjust salt, acidity, and sweetness as needed for a balanced flavor.
Pair with the Right Pasta: A hearty sauce like this works well with spaghetti, pappardelle, or even a short pasta like rigatoni.
Why this is the Best Recipe:
Rich and Meaty Texture: The combination of finely chopped mushrooms and walnuts gives the sauce a hearty bite, mimicking traditional ground meat.
Deep Umami Flavor: Thanks to the use of mushrooms, tomato paste, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar, this sauce has layers of rich, savory taste.
Nutrient-Dense & Healthy: Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, this dish is a wholesome, plant-powered alternative to the traditional version.
Easy to Make & Versatile: It’s perfect over pasta, zucchini noodles, or even as a topping for baked potatoes or polenta.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe:
It’s a family-friendly dish that pleases vegans and meat-eaters alike.
It’s meal-prep friendly and tastes even better the next day.
It’s made with wholesome, natural ingredients, making it both delicious and nourishing.
It fills your home with the most comforting aroma while it simmers.
Vegan Mushroom & Walnut Bolognese
Author: Purely Plant Plate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Vegan & B12-Rich:
Simple Ways to Stay Energized!
Struggling to get enough B12 on a vegan diet? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! In this free email series, we’ll explore the best plant-based sources, fortified foods, and supplements to keep your energy high and your body thriving. Stay healthy, stay vibrant, and enjoy delicious vegan meals packed with essential nutrients!
Your privacy matters to us—you can unsubscribe at any time.
You might also like
About Purely Plant Plates
Purely Plant Plates – A Nourishing Food Blog
Purely Plant Plates is a comprehensive food blog dedicated to plant-based living, offering a wealth of delicious and nutritious vegan recipes, expert baking tips, and in-depth nutritional insights. Whether you're a long-time vegan, exploring plant-based eating for the first time, or simply looking to incorporate more wholesome, animal-free meals into your diet, this blog is your go-to resource for all things vegan cooking.
Don't forget to sign up for our daily newspaper!
Never Miss a New Vegan Recipe!
Sign up for our daily newspaper and be the first to discover our latest vegan recipes, baking tips, and blog updates! From delicious plant-based meals to expert tricks for perfect vegan bakes, we bring fresh inspiration straight to your inbox. Don’t miss out—subscribe now and stay inspired every day!
Your privacy matters to us—you can unsubscribe at any time.
