Discover a vegetarian twist on the classic Bolognese sauce with this Amazing Mushroom Bolognese recipe. Packed with savory flavors and hearty mushrooms, it’s a satisfying dish for any occasion.
Ingredients for Amazing Mushroom Bolognese:
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
- Cooked pasta of your choice, for serving
How to Make Amazing Mushroom Bolognese:
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Mushrooms:
- Add finely chopped cremini mushrooms to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Tomato Paste:
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Deglaze with Wine (Optional):
- If using red wine, pour it into the skillet and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook until the wine has mostly evaporated, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth:
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
- Season and Simmer:
- Add dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Serve:
- Serve the Mushroom Bolognese over cooked pasta of your choice. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms provide a meaty texture and umami flavor, making them a perfect substitute for ground meat in this vegetarian Bolognese.
- Vegetables: Onions, carrots, celery, and garlic form the aromatic base of the sauce, adding depth and sweetness.
- Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste create a rich, tomatoey base for the sauce, enhancing its flavor and thickness.
Enjoy this Amazing Mushroom Bolognese as a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.