Tofu Bolognese
User Reviews
5
Tofu Bolognese
Description
The recipe begins by pulsing red onion, celery, carrot, and garlic until finely chopped, then sautéing the vegetable mix in olive oil to develop flavor. Separately, crumbled, pressed extra-firm tofu and optionally crumbled tempeh bacon are browned in the same pot to add texture and richness. Smoked paprika is added to impart a smoky note reminiscent of traditional Bolognese meat sauces.
Marinara sauce and water are combined with the tofu and vegetable mixture, and the sauce is cooked over low heat for about 30 minutes to meld the flavors and thicken the sauce. The resulting texture contrasts soft vegetables with the firmer tofu pieces for a satisfying mouthfeel, while the marinara offers acidity and sweetness.
Serve this sauce over cooked pasta for a complete meal. Using extra-firm tofu that is properly pressed prevents excess moisture and allows it to absorb surrounding flavors better. Browning the tofu and tempeh adds complexity in both texture and taste.
To save time, pre-chopped vegetable mixes or a food processor can be used for the mirepoix. The option to include tempeh bacon adds depth but is not required.
Ingredients
- 1 red onion chopped
- 2 celery chopped, stalk
- 2 small carrot peeled, chopped
- 5 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tofu pressed, and crumbled, super firm, (14-ounce) package
- 1 tempeh bacon crumbled (optional, package
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 marinara sauce 15-ounce) jar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 pound pasta
Instructions
- Pulse onion, celery, carrot, and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped.
- In a large pot with a lid, heat the oil and add the processed veggies. Cook until fragrant. Transfer the cooked veggies to a bowl and set aside.
- To the same pot, add the crumbled tofu and crumbled tempeh (if using). Cook for 5 minutes on high heat until the tofu and tempeh browns. Add the smoked paprika and cook for one minute, constantly mixing.
- Add the marinara sauce and water. Cook over low leat for 30 minutes.
- Serve pasta and top with the bolognese sauce.
Notes
- Use extra-firm tofu pressed to remove moisture for a better texture that absorbs flavors well.
- Brown the tofu and tempeh bacon until browned and slightly crisp to mimic ground meat texture.
- Pre-chopped mirepoix or food processor can expedite vegetable prep.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 305 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 305kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 26g | 9% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6g | 35% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Sodium | 1075mg | 45% |
| Potassium | 1043mg | 22% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 5507IU | 110% |
| Vitamin C | 20mg | 22% |
| Calcium | 243mg | 24% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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