Spaghetti bolognese is classic comfort food—especially in the colder months. Chef Rodney Bowers puts a vegan twist on this classic, using walnuts, mushrooms, green lentils and bulgar wheat.
SERVES
4
TO
5
Ingredients
Bolognese Sauce
3/4 cup chopped raw walnuts
1 sweet onion, finely minced
2 cups cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic
2 tablepsoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes
500ml canned tomatoes
2 tablespoons tamari
5 cups vegetable stock
1 cup dried mushrooms (soaked in water)
1 cup bulgur wheat
1/4 bunch fresh basil
1 cup green lentils
Spaghetti
1 lb dry spaghetti
Salt, for the pot
Garnish
Firm, vegan Parmesan
Directions
For the Sauce
In a skillet pan, toast the nuts until golden and aromatic, avoiding burning. Pop them in a food processor and finely grind. Set aside.
Add the onion, garlic, mushrooms and garlic to the food processor and blend until well chopped. Set aside.
Add the oil to a pre-heated large pot on medium-high and add the veggies. Sweat for five minutes until golden.
Add the salt, chilli flakes, tomatoes, tamari, vegetable stock, soaked mushrooms and water. Bring to a boil.
Reduce to simmer and add the nuts, bulgur, basil, lentils and stew for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are cooked.
For the Spaghetti
Meanwhile, boil a large pot of salted water.
Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions.
Once cooked, strain and set aside.
To Serve
Once the sauce is ready, serve with cooked spaghetti noodles and garnish with firm, vegan Parmesan. Enjoy!