Recipe
"Is that vegan?!" Rigatoni Bolognese
Lotte Boonstra
25 Jul 2023
Serves
4-6
Prep
15 min
Cook
30 min
Total
45 min
"Is That Vegan?!" Rigatoni Bolognese
"Is That Vegan?!" Rigatoni Bolognese is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for my dinner guests. This quick and easy yet incredibly flavorful dish never fails to impress with its hearty rigatoni pasta and savory vegan bolognese sauce. Bursting with rich flavors from aromatic spices, tomatoes, and a blend of vegetables, it's hard to believe it's entirely plant-based! The dish's velvety texture and the aromatic aroma of fresh herbs add a touch of elegance to any gathering. With this go-to recipe, I can confidently serve a delightful and satisfying meal that leaves everyone asking, "Is that really vegan?!"
Ingredients
1 white onions
1 leek
5 cloves of garlic
1 tablespoon paprika powder
1 tablespoon cumin
70 g tomato paste
375 g vegan minced meat
2 carrots
1 zucchini
400 g peeled tomatoes
1 bouillon cube
150 mL pasta water
4 sprigs fresh basil
500 g rigatoni pasta
Vegan parmesan cheese
Instructions
01
Mince the garlic and onion. Cut the leek into half rings.
02
Grate carrots and zucchini. Peel carrot before grating. Drain zucchini by squeezing or using a kitchen towel.
03
Heat a pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion and leek for a few minutes or until they are caramelized. Then add the garlic and sauté for another minute.
04
Once the garlic becomes aromatic, add a tablespoon of paprika and a tablespoon of cumin. Toast the spices for about 30 seconds to a few minutes until they release their aromas.
05
Add the tomato puree to the pan and cook it for 30 seconds to a few minutes to remove any sourness.
06
Next, add the vegan minced meat to the pan and cook it for a few minutes.
07
Now, add all the grated vegetables to the pan and quickly sauté them to allow them to absorb the flavors.
08
In a separate bowl, crush the peeled tomatoes with your hands before adding them to the sauce.
Add water and a bouillon cube to the sauce. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Remember, the longer the sauce simmers, the better the flavors will develop.
09
Meanwhile, cook the pasta of your choice. Rigatoni works great with bolognese. Cook the pasta al dente in generously salted water. Before draining the pasta, reserve a cup of pasta water to add to the sauce.
10
Finally, roughly chop the basil and add it to the sauce. This way, the basil will maintain its vibrant color and flavor.
Serve the pasta with vegan parmesan cheese (made from cashews and nutritional yeast) and a fresh side salad of cucumber, tomato, and basil.
Tips & Tricks
Keep in mind that some brands of vegan minced meat can be on the drier side, but this won't be an issue as we'll be adding plenty of liquids to the sauce later.
Peeled tomatoes provide more flavor compared to diced tomatoes.
If you’re feeling spicy you can add a chili pepper to the recipe. Add it simultaneously with the garlic.