Walnut Bolognese
Pasta, Pasta, Pasta! Falling in love tastes a little bit like this sauce. For REAL. Theres something so hearty, filling and warming about a classic bolognese sauce - not much can beat it. Its a lazy version of spaghetti of meatballs and I’m so here for it. To date, this is one of my favorite sauces to create when we host a dinner party or get together. It’s a home run every time, and no matter who you are, you will fall in love with this recipe.
This version is inexpensive, simple to make and is good in every season. I can’t forget to mention its high in protein and 100% plant based + GF. Hollllla!
This walnut bolognese is:
dairy free
vegan
hearty & delicious
great for meal prepping
get better as it sits
easy one pot dinner
Bai’s tip: If you are looking to add more plant based protein, you can add 1 cup cooked lentils to the sauce when you add the walnuts to make this a super high protein meal.
Are you someone who suffers from period pain or unpleasant cycles, and looking for the missing pieces to support your long term menstrual health and longevity?
Take our On-Demand FREE training to see how you can utilize plantbased recipes like this one, to help heal your period and manage your cycle symptoms. Register for the FREE training and pick a time that works best for you!
Serves 5-6
The Goods:
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, peeled & diced
3 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup red wine
2, 15 oz. cans fire roasted crushed tomatoes
1 cup ground walnuts (made in a dry blender)
1 cup rough chopped basil
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
1 tsp ground black pepper (more to taste)
salt to taste
cooked brown rice lasagna or spaghetti
For the garnish:
nutritional yeast
almond ricotta (from my cookbook!)
cooked brown rice pasta
The Method:
First, in a large sauce pan, add your olive oil over medium heat.
Add the onions and a pinch of salt. Stir and sauté for about 3-5 minutes or until they soften.
Next toss in your celery, carrots, and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Now throw in your tomato paste, and mix well until paste is over everything. Add a pinch more of salt and black pepper.
Cook down and once the bottom starts to burn slightly, pour in your red wine to deglaze the pan. Cook down until all the liquid is almost evaporated.
Add the fire roasted tomatoes and stir. Reduce heat to medium low, and cook for about 10 -15 minutes with the lid on while stirring occasionally.
As the bolognese cooks, grab a dry blender and make your ground walnuts. Add walnuts, cook for 3 minutes while stirring.
Add basil, red chili flakes and taste for salt + pepper. Cook for 1 minute more.
Serve with your favorite brown rice pasta, almond ricotta and top with nutritional yeast!
Thanks so much for checking out our recipes! I hope you find something here that satisfies your cravings or encourages you to try something new.
Ready to take your health to the next level? Check out our podcast!
