Name: Vegetarian Hearty Bolognese with Cauliflower for Comforting Meals
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 170 grams yellow onion (about 1 small) or 210 grams yellow onion if omitting shallot; 40 grams shallot (about 1 small); 100 grams celery stalks (about 2 medium); 100 grams carrot (about 1 large); 270 grams cauliflower (about half of a small head); 6 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 Tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped; 1 Tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped; 1 bay leaf; 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional); 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 6 ounces tomato paste; ½ cup red wine; 2 Tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce; 2 ½ cups vegetable stock; ½ Tablespoon vegetable bouillon; 28 ounce can San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes; ½ cup whole milk or half and half; ½ cup dried lentils; 2 Tablespoons butter; ½ cup reserved pasta water, more as needed; 16 ounces pappardelle pasta; Grated parmesan, optional, for garnish; Fresh basil, optional, for garnish

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Vegetarian Hearty Bolognese with Cauliflower is the recipe that has transformed my weeknight dinners. This dish captures the rich, meaty texture of traditional Bolognese while being entirely plant-based, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to indulge without the meat. The marriage of lentils, aromatic herbs, and fresh vegetables creates a flavor profile that is satisfying and comforting. With this easy vegetarian Bolognese recipe, you can impress your family and friends while sticking to a healthy vegetarian diet.

Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian Hearty Bolognese with

This hearty meatless Bolognese is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore this dish:

It’s a nutrient-rich vegetarian Bolognese dish that provides essential vitamins and minerals.
Made with readily available ingredients, you won’t struggle to find the best vegetarian Bolognese ingredients.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it a quick hearty Bolognese for vegetarians.
It’s an excellent source of plant-based protein due to the lentils.
This dish is filling and can easily satisfy meat lovers.
Perfect for cold winter nights, it’s a comforting vegetarian pasta Bolognese that warms you up.

Ingredients for Vegetarian Hearty Bolognese with

Gather these items:

170 grams yellow onion (about 1 small) or 210 grams if omitting shallot
40 grams shallot (about 1 small)
100 grams celery stalks (about 2 medium)
100 grams carrot (about 1 large)
270 grams cauliflower (about half of a small head)
6 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 Tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 Tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 bay leaf
3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
6 ounces tomato paste
½ cup red wine
2 Tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
2 ½ cups vegetable stock
½ Tablespoon vegetable bouillon
28 ounce can San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes
½ cup whole milk or half and half
½ cup dried lentils
2 Tablespoons butter
16 ounces pappardelle pasta
Grated parmesan, optional, for garnish
Fresh basil, optional, for garnish

How to Make Vegetarian Hearty Bolognese with Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a food processor, pulse the yellow onion, shallot, carrot, and celery until finely diced. Transfer this mixture to a bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Using the food processor again, pulse the cauliflower until it is finely chopped. Set aside this as well.
Step 3: Heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a large enameled Dutch oven. Add the diced mirepoix along with a pinch of salt and the red pepper flakes. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in the chopped cauliflower and sauté for another 3-4 minutes to tenderize and meld the flavors.
Step 5: Stir in the tomato paste and cook it for 1 minute to intensify its flavor. Deglaze the pot with the red wine, cooking down for 1-2 minutes while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enrich the sauce.
Step 6: Stir in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, dried lentils, vegetable stock, and vegetable bouillon. Using your hands, smash the whole San Marzano tomatoes directly into the pot, discarding any tough stem pieces. Cover the pot and bring the sauce to a simmer, cooking for 25-30 minutes for full flavor development.
Step 7: Stir in the whole milk or half and half, then bring the sauce back to a simmer uncovered. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes to thicken slightly and develop creaminess.
Step 8: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pappardelle pasta just under al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
Step 9: Stir the butter into the sauce, remove the bay leaf, and add fresh parsley if using. Toss the al dente pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water gradually as needed until the sauce coats the noodles with a glossy finish.
Step 10: Plate the pasta and sauce combination. Garnish with grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your hearty vegetarian Bolognese!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Vegetarian Hearty Bolognese with

Keep these in mind:

Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on your preference.
This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar if the sauce is too acidic.

Best Ways to Serve Vegetarian Hearty Bolognese with

Here are a few serving suggestions:

Serve over freshly cooked pasta, like pappardelle or even gluten-free pasta options.
Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Top with grated parmesan or nutritional yeast for a vegan hearty Bolognese dish.

How to Store and Reheat Vegetarian Hearty Bolognese with

After cooking, allow the leftover vegetarian Bolognese to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for future meals. To reheat, simply warm over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or vegetable stock to loosen it if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegetarian Hearty Bolognese with

What is vegetarian Bolognese sauce?

Vegetarian Bolognese sauce is a plant-based twist on the traditional Italian meat sauce, using vegetables and lentils to create a hearty flavor profile. It’s a healthy vegetarian Bolognese that retains the essence of the original dish.

Can I make vegetarian Bolognese ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this easy vegetarian Bolognese recipe in advance. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together, making it perfect for meal prep.

How do I avoid common mistakes with vegetarian Bolognese?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you sauté the vegetables properly to build flavor. Also, adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process and don’t skip the simmering time to develop the sauce’s depth.

Variations of Vegetarian Hearty Bolognese with You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Replace the lentils with quinoa for a different texture.
Add chopped spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost.
Use different types of pasta or spiralized vegetables for a low-carb option.
Incorporate mushrooms for an earthy flavor and a meatier texture.

Vegetarian Hearty Bolognese with Cauliflower for Comforting Meals - Vegetarian Hearty Bolognese with - main visual representation

For more delicious vegetarian recipes, check out our Vegan Hotpot with Lentils or Vegan Cashew Boursin Cheese.

Vegetarian Hearty Bolognese with Cauliflower for Comforting Meals - Vegetarian Hearty Bolognese with - additional detail

For more meal prep ideas, visit our Last Recipes page.