Vegetarian Molho Bolonhesa

Indulge in the rich, hearty flavors of Vegetarian Molho Bolonhesa, a plant-powered take on the classic Italian-inspired sauce. This robust recipe combines finely chopped vegetables—like mushrooms, zucchini, and red bell pepper—with plant-based ground meat to create a deliciously textured and savory base. Aromatic herbs, a splash of optional red wine, and the umami kick of soy sauce deepen the flavor, while a slow simmer ensures a thick and luscious consistency. Perfectly suited for pasta, this vegan bolognese is ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. With simple ingredients and a generous yield, it’s a satisfying choice for those craving comfort food with a vegetarian twist.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 1 medium celery stalk, finely chopped
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 medium zucchini, finely chopped
• 1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 0.5 cup red wine (optional)
• 12 ounces plant-based ground meat
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery and sauté until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

Step 2

Add the garlic, mushrooms, zucchini, and red bell pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have released their moisture.

Step 3

Stir in the plant-based ground meat and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned.

Step 4

If using, pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Cook for 2-3 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated.

Step 5

Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaf, sugar, and soy sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld together.

Step 7

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf and discard.

Step 8

Garnish the sauce with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Step 9

Serve over your favorite cooked pasta and enjoy your Vegetarian Molho Bolonhesa!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2321.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1782.2

Total Fat 109.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 28.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9.5g
Cholesterol 15.9mg	0%
Sodium 5905.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 121.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.4g	0%
Total Sugars 58.7g
Protein 87.6g	0%

Vitamin D 28IU	0%
Calcium 584.7mg	0%
Iron 24.2mg	0%
Potassium 5711.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.1%

Protein: 19.3%

Carbs: 26.6%