Vegan Bolognese

Step 1

In a large dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onions and carrots and saute for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften.

Step 3

Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Don't add too much as you will be adding soy sauce later for color.

Step 4

Then add dry italian seasonings and crushed red pepper, if using. Mix well and add a bit more olive oil if pan looks dry.

Step 5

Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant.

Step 6

Next add the dry TVP, and stir to coat evenly with onion, carrot and spice mixture.

Step 7

Then add the soy sauce, which will give the TVP great flavor, and a bit darker color.

Step 8

Pan will be dry, so quickly add the cup of vegetable broth to rehydrate the tvp.

Step 9

Stir to coat all the tvp well, scraping the sides of the pan if needed.

Step 10

Let simmer for a minute or two.

Step 11

Next add your can of tomato paste, mix well and cook for a minute or two before adding the large can of crushed tomatoes.

Step 12

As sauce begins to bubble, be sure to stir in the tomato paste into the crushed tomatoes.

Step 13

Reduce heat to low, and simmer while you cook pasta.

Step 14

Cook whole wheat pasta in a large pot f boiling salted water for 7-9 minutes, or until al dente.

Step 15

Drain pasta and place in large serving bowl.

Step 16

Top with bolognese sauce, chopped fresh basil or parsley and serve.