Inspired by: @saechsine
A comforting bowl of vegan cauliflower and mushroom bolognese pasta.
Are you searching for a hearty, healthy, and incredibly flavorful plant-based pasta sauce that satisfies like traditional bolognese? Look no further! This Easy Vegan Cauliflower Mushroom Bolognese is your answer. Perfect for busy weeknights or comforting Sunday dinners, this recipe transforms humble vegetables into a rich, umami-packed sauce that’s entirely dairy-free and can easily be made gluten-free.
This recipe is ideal for anyone looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet, reduce meat consumption, or explore delicious vegan cooking. It's a fantastic solution for families seeking a nutritious meal that even picky eaters will love, and a go-to for anyone wondering "What's a delicious meatless pasta alternative?" or "How can I make a robust vegan bolognese?".
Why You'll Love This Vegan Bolognese
- Rich Umami Flavor: The combination of finely chopped cauliflower and sautéed mushrooms creates a deep, satisfying taste that rivals traditional meat sauces.
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with vegetables, this bolognese is a wholesome and fiber-rich meal.
- Effortlessly Easy: Simple steps mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
- Family-Friendly: A delicious way to get more veggies into everyone's diet without compromising on taste.
- Dietary Inclusive: Naturally vegan and dairy-free, with easy gluten-free adjustments.
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower Mushroom Bolognese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, finely chopped (cremini or button work well)
- 1 head cauliflower, finely chopped or pulsed in a food processor to a rice-like texture
- 1 (28 oz / 794g) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 1/2 tsp himalayan salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor, optional)
For Serving
- 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (linguine, tagliatelle, or rigatoni are great)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Vegan Parmesan alternative (optional)
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Food processor (optional, for chopping cauliflower and mushrooms)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: If using a food processor, pulse cauliflower florets until they resemble rice or fine crumbles. Do the same for the mushrooms, pulsing until finely chopped. If chopping by hand, aim for very small, uniform pieces.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown Cauliflower & Mushrooms: Add the finely chopped mushrooms and cauliflower to the pot. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to brown and release their moisture. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor, roughly 8-10 minutes.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to slightly darken. Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add dried oregano, basil, bay leaf (if using), himalayan salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer & Thicken: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen. For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
- Add Nutritional Yeast: Stir in the nutritional yeast (if using) during the last 5 minutes of simmering. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook your preferred pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Combine & Serve: Add the drained pasta directly to the bolognese sauce and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and an optional sprinkle of vegan Parmesan. Enjoy!
Variations & Adaptations
- Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free!
- Add a Kick: Stir in a pinch of chili flakes with the garlic for a touch of heat.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add finely diced carrots or celery along with the onion for a classic sofrito base. Zucchini or spinach can also be stirred in during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
- Smoky Flavor: A dash of smoked paprika can add a delightful smoky depth.
- Creamy Finish: Stir in a tablespoon of vegan cream cheese or a splash of plant milk (like unsweetened almond milk or oat milk) at the end for an even creamier sauce.
- Make it a Meal: This bolognese pairs perfectly with crusty garlic bread and a fresh green salad. And as @saechsine discovered, it's wonderfully complemented by a vegan cheesecake for dessert!
Tips & Hacks for the Perfect Bolognese
- Fine Chop is Key: For the best bolognese texture, ensure your cauliflower and mushrooms are very finely chopped. A food processor makes this quick and easy, mimicking the texture of ground meat.
- Don't Rush the Sauté: Allowing the onion, garlic, cauliflower, and mushrooms to properly brown and caramelize is essential for developing deep, rich flavors and that coveted umami.
- Simmer for Flavor: The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will meld and intensify. If you have time, let it simmer for up to an hour on low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water! The starchy water helps to emulsify the sauce, making it cling better to the pasta and creating a silky finish.
Close-up of the rich, savory sauce.
Related Articles
Looking for more easy and delicious plant-based meals? Explore these other fantastic recipes from abillion:
- Next-Level Creamy Vegan Orzo - Discover a new pasta favorite!
- Easy Creamy Vegan Roasted Vegetable Farfalle Pasta (Dairy-Free Weeknight Meal) - Perfect for busy evenings!
- Quick & Creamy Vegan Cheesy Pasta - Indulge in cheesy goodness, dairy-free!
- Red Lentil Pasta and Jackfruit Meatballs Recipe - Try this unique take on meatballs!
- How to make your own vegan pasta at home - Elevate your pasta game from scratch!
Ready to cook?
Give this incredible Vegan Cauliflower Mushroom Bolognese a try and transform your weeknight meals! Share your culinary creations and tag abillion on social media – we can't wait to see your delicious results!
Ingredients thoughtfully arranged, ready for cooking.
