Vegan Bolognese Sauce with Tempeh
This easy vegan Bolognese sauce with tempeh recipe uses a simple method for making delicious tempeh crumbles for the best plant-based red sauce.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
Course: Condiment, Main Courses
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegan
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 143kcal
- 8 ounces tempeh 1 block
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 medium carrot peeled and grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 28 ounces canned tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary chopped, or ½ tsp. dried rosemary
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar
- salt and black pepper to taste
Cut the tempeh block into quarters, then crumble them into small, bite-sized pieces.
Add the crumbled tempeh, 4 cups of vegetable broth, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to a medium saucepan.
Cover and simmer over medium-high heat for 20 minutes.
Drain the tempeh into a colander. Press the pieces against the sides to get as much moisture out as possible.
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven to medium, then add the onions and carrots.
Cook the onions and carrots, stirring often until they soften (3-4 minutes).
Stir in the tomatoes. Use a wooden spoon to break up the bigger pieces.
Add the rosemary, balsamic vinegar, and 1 cup of vegetable broth. Mix in the tempeh.
Cover and simmer the sauce on low for 45 minutes until the sauce is thick.
Taste, and add salt and pepper as desired.
- For a thinner sauce, add more vegetable broth. To thicken it, simmer for longer or add a tablespoon of tomato paste (tomato puree).
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze the Bolognese sauce for 3 months.
- For a spicy sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
- Simmered tempeh crumbles can be made ahead and can be frozen for several months.
Calories: 143kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1144mg | Potassium: 629mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2411IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 3mg