Irresistible Tempeh Bolognese Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the rich, savory aroma of a bubbling pot of Tempeh Bolognese Spaghetti Sauce wafting through your kitchen. Imagine the moment you take your first bite—tender tempeh mingling with perfectly al dente spaghetti, creating a flavor explosion that dances on your palate. You may even find yourself humming a little tune while you twirl your fork, because this dish is just that good.

This delightful sauce isn’t just for those cozy nights in; it’s perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a well-deserved dinner after a long day. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this Tempeh Bolognese Spaghetti Sauce as your go-to recipe for every occasion.

Sharing this dish with friends at dinner resulted in smiles and compliments all around—it became an instant favorite!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Tempeh: Crumble the tempeh for a texture that mimics ground meat while absorbing all the rich flavors.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it adds a wonderful depth of flavor.

• Onion: A medium onion will provide sweetness; chop it finely to ensure it cooks evenly.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves elevate the flavor profile; mince them just before adding for maximum aroma.

• Carrots: Dice them small for sweet notes that balance the sauce; they also add a nice crunch.

• Canned Tomatoes: Choose crushed tomatoes for a smooth sauce consistency; they are the base of our flavor explosion.

• Dried Oregano and Basil: These herbs infuse the sauce with Italian flair; fresh herbs can be used too if available.

• Red Wine (optional): For an added depth of flavor, red wine works wonders—just let it simmer off!

• Spaghetti: Go for whole wheat or gluten-free if you prefer; cook according to package instructions until al dente.

• Salt and Pepper: Season generously throughout cooking to bring out all the fantastic flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Gather Your Tools

Gather a large saucepan and a wooden spoon. You’ll also need a cutting board and knife for chopping those veggies.

Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil over medium heat in your saucepan. Add chopped onions and garlic, stirring until they turn translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Crumble the Tempeh

Add crumbled tempeh to the pan and sauté until golden brown, allowing it to soak up all those aromatic flavors—this should take about 5-7 minutes.

Add Veggies

Toss in diced carrots and cook until slightly softened. The colors will brighten up your pot and tease your taste buds!

Pour in Tomatoes & Herbs

Add canned tomatoes along with dried oregano and basil. Let everything simmer together for about 15 minutes so those flavors can meld beautifully.

Finish Off with Seasoning

Taste your sauce and season generously with salt and pepper. If you’re feeling fancy, splash in some red wine at this stage—trust me, it’s worth it!

Cook Your Spaghetti

While your sauce simmers away, cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well but save some pasta water just in case you want to loosen up your sauce later.

Combine & Serve

Toss cooked spaghetti into the saucepan with Bolognese sauce, mixing well so every strand is coated. Serve hot with grated cheese on top if desired!

And there you have it! A bowl of comforting Tempeh Bolognese Spaghetti Sauce that not only fills your belly but warms your heart too!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add the tempeh and spices. While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti for perfect timing and delicious results.

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Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap tempeh for lentils or mushrooms if you’re feeling adventurous. You can also add a splash of red wine for depth or sprinkle some nutritional yeast for extra umami.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.

I once made this Tempeh Bolognese for a dinner party, and my friends couldn’t believe it was meatless! The laughter that followed as they vied for seconds was unforgettable.

FAQ

Can I use other proteins instead of tempeh?

Absolutely! Lentils or ground mushrooms work well as substitutes in this recipe.

How long does the sauce last in the fridge?

Tempeh Bolognese can last up to five days when stored properly.

Can I freeze Tempeh Bolognese spaghetti sauce?

Yes, freezing works great! Just ensure it’s sealed tightly in an airtight container.