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This comforting vegan bolognese has some extra poppin’ flavor, starring tahini as a secret ingredient. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
There are multiple protein options for this recipe: tempeh, tofu, or prepared vegan meatballs. The flavor and texture will vary slightly depending on what you use, but the final result is guaranteed to be delicious!
I love using fresh ripe tomatoes in my recipes, but you also can’t go wrong with the canned variety. Usually, I find fresh tomatoes to be less concentrated, so I call for a larger quantity (weight) of fresh than canned — e.g. 600 grams fresh tomatoes in lieu of 400 grams canned tomatoes. If you love a tomato-y sauce, feel free to add more!
I highly recommend investing a good-quality runny tahini for recipes such as this one.
Lastly, to those who have never tried combining tomatoes and tahini in a dish, I just want to say: you’re missing out, fam. (jk but also not jk. but seriously, this combo is a match made in heaven.)
Looking for more recipes with tomatoes and tahini? Here are a few:
Vegan bolognese with tahini (GF option, one-pot)
Ingredients
- 8 oz dry pasta of choice | 225g; use GF if needed
- 1 large onion | 250g; diced
- 3 cloves garlic | minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp ground sage
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 2 large carrots | 250g; minced
- 3 stalks celery | 250g; minced
- 8 oz tempeh | 225g*; crumbled
- 3 large ripe tomatoes | 600g (or one 14-oz can); crushed
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast | 20g
- 3 tbsp tahini | 48g
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat some oil and sauté the onion for 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, spices, carrots, and celery, and tempeh.
- Fry for 5 more minutes, or until the mixture is fragrant. Add in tomatoes and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Once the sauce mixture has thickened, stir in nutritional yeast and tahini, then taste and season with more spices, if desired.
- Serve with cooked pasta and enjoy!
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