Emily Johnson
Mushroom bolognese is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly alternative to the traditional meat-based bolognese. The mushrooms are cooked in olive oil until they are chewy and reduced to a quarter of their original volume, giving them a texture similar to ground meat. Various types of mushrooms can be used, such as shiitake, cremini, button, and porcini mushrooms, each adding complexity to the dish. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a hearty and savory meatless pasta option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Pasta |
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Main ingredients | Mushrooms, tomatoes, red wine |
| Other ingredients | Olive oil, garlic, onion, carrot, celery, thyme, salt, Italian spices, coconut milk, soy sauce, miso paste, eggplant, tomato paste, tomato sauce, broth |
| Pasta | Tagliatelle, fettuccine, chickpea rotini |
| Variants | Vegetarian, vegan, meat |
| Nutritional information | Calories: 370kcal, Carbohydrates: 55g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 10g, Sodium: 250mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 8g |
| Cooking time | 30 minutes to 6 hours |
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What You'll Learn
Types of mushrooms to use in bolognese
While you can use any type of mushroom you like in a bolognese, some types are more commonly used than others. Here are some of the most popular types of mushrooms to use in this hearty dish:
Cremini Mushrooms
Cremini mushrooms, also known as brown mushrooms, are a common variety used in bolognese. They are mature white button mushrooms, with a more robust flavour and a darker colour.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are another variety that can add depth and complexity to your bolognese sauce. They have a distinct umami flavour and a meaty texture, making them a great choice for vegetarian or vegan bolognese.
Porcini Mushrooms
Dried porcini mushrooms are often used in bolognese, as they add a rich, earthy flavour to the sauce. They need to be rehydrated in warm water for about 30 minutes before being chopped and added to the sauce.
Baby Bellas
Baby bella mushrooms, also known as portobello mushrooms, are small, immature portobellos. They have a delicate flavour and a firm texture, making them a versatile addition to your bolognese.
White Button Mushrooms
White button mushrooms are the most common variety of mushroom. They are mild in flavour and can be used fresh or canned, making them a convenient and affordable option for bolognese.
Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms to find your preferred combination. You can also mix and match mushrooms to create a complex and flavourful bolognese sauce.
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How to prepare mushrooms for bolognese
Preparing a mushroom bolognese is a great way to make a hearty, vegetarian meal. The process is quite simple and can be adapted to suit your tastes and the ingredients available to you.
Firstly, you will need to select your mushrooms. You can use a single type of mushroom or a combination of different varieties. Some of the most popular mushrooms for bolognese include white button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, cremini, baby bellas, and portobellos. Dried porcini mushrooms are also a great option, but they will need to be rehydrated in warm water for about 30 minutes before using.
Once you have your mushrooms, you will need to clean and chop them. To chop the mushrooms, you can use your hands to break them into mid-sized chunks, and then use a knife to chop them into smaller pieces, no larger than 1/4-inch. Keep in mind that the mushrooms will shrink as they cook, so you don't want to chop them too finely.
Next, heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add the chopped mushrooms to the pan and cook until they are browned and chewy. You may also add onions, celery, and a teaspoon of salt to the pan along with the mushrooms to enhance the flavour. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Then, increase the heat and cook for another 1-2 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated.
Once the mushrooms are cooked, you can add the remaining ingredients to create your bolognese sauce. This typically includes ingredients such as tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, garlic, red wine, and various seasonings. You can also add vegetables like carrots and eggplant to the sauce for extra flavour and texture. Simmer the sauce on low heat for several hours to allow the flavours to develop fully.
Finally, cook your pasta of choice according to the package instructions. Fresh tagliatelle or other broad, flat noodles like papperdelle or fettuccine are often recommended for bolognese as they hold the sauce better than spaghetti. Once the pasta is cooked, combine it with the sauce and serve hot.
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Other ingredients to include in a mushroom bolognese
When making a mushroom bolognese, you can use any kind of mushroom you can get your hands on. A blend of mushrooms, such as buttons, shiitake, cremini, porcini, and baby bellas, can add complexity to the dish. You can also use dried porcini mushrooms, which need to be rehydrated in warm water for 30 minutes, then dried and chopped.
To prepare the mushrooms, you can fry them in olive oil until they are chewy and reduced to a quarter of their original volume. This will give them a texture similar to ground meat usually found in bolognese. You can also add other vegetables to your mushroom bolognese, such as carrots, celery, onions, and garlic. Saute these vegetables until they are softened and mostly cooked through before adding the mushrooms.
Tomato products, such as tomato sauce, paste, and crushed tomatoes, are also important ingredients in bolognese, adding acidity and savoriness to the dish. To enhance the flavor of tomato paste, add it to a hot pan with oil and fry it until it develops sweet, complex flavors. You can also add milk to your bolognese, which adds a wonderful depth of flavor without making the sauce creamy.
Wine, especially red wine, is a key ingredient in bolognese, providing a similar function to tomatoes. However, if you don't want to cook with wine, you can substitute it with chicken or beef broth. Additionally, you can add Italian seasoning, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor. For a vegan version of bolognese, you can include products like tempeh, textured vegetable protein, or firm tofu to add texture and substance to the sauce.
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Nutritional information for mushroom bolognese
Mushroom bolognese is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly alternative to the traditional bolognese, which usually contains meat. It is made with a variety of mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, porcini, and button mushrooms, and is cooked in olive oil until browned and chewy, giving it a texture similar to ground meat. This dish is often served with pasta, such as tagliatelle, and can be topped with Parmesan cheese or a vegan alternative.
In terms of nutritional information, a serving of mushroom bolognese contains approximately 262 calories, 17 grams of total fat, 3 grams of saturated fat, 24 grams of carbohydrates, 7 grams of dietary fiber, 11 grams of sugar, and 8 grams of protein. It also contains 7 mg of cholesterol and 767 mg of sodium. Compared to traditional bolognese, the mushroom version is lower in fat, protein, and absorbable potassium and phosphorus.
The recipe can be adjusted to suit dietary preferences and restrictions. For example, vegan cream cheese can be used instead of regular cream cheese, and vegetarian hard cheese can replace Parmesan. Additionally, some recipes for vegan mushroom bolognese include ingredients like tempeh, textured vegetable protein, or firm tofu to add texture and substance to the sauce.
Mushroom bolognese is a nutritious and satisfying option for those seeking a meat-free alternative to traditional bolognese. It offers a good balance of carbohydrates, fiber, and protein, while also providing essential vitamins and minerals. The use of various mushrooms and cooking techniques enhances the flavor and texture of the dish, making it a flavorful and hearty choice for a comforting meal.
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Meat alternatives for a vegan mushroom bolognese
A traditional bolognese sauce is a slow-cooked ragu made from beef with a blend of vegetables called a "soffritto" and a splash of milk. However, if you're looking for a vegan alternative, there are several options for replacing the meat in a bolognese sauce.
One popular option is to use mushrooms as a meat substitute. Frying mushrooms in olive oil until they are chewy and reduced to a quarter of their original volume can give them a texture similar to ground meat. Using a blend of mushrooms, such as buttons, shiitakes, cremini, and porcini, can add complexity to the dish. In addition to mushrooms, some recipes may include other ingredients such as eggplant or tofu to add texture and flavour.
Another option for a vegan bolognese is to use store-bought vegan mince or ground meat alternatives. Brands such as Naturli, Meatless Farm, and Beyond Mince offer products with a good balance of fat and protein that behave like real mince. Even simple frozen soya mince can work well in a vegan bolognese. These store-bought alternatives can be paired with ingredients like vegan beef-flavoured stock powder, tomato puree, and dark soy sauce to create a tasty vegan bolognese sauce.
So, whether you're a fan of mushrooms or prefer a store-bought vegan meat alternative, there are several options for creating a delicious and satisfying vegan mushroom bolognese.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mushrooms are a common ingredient in bolognese. They add a savory flavor and texture to the dish.
You can use a variety of mushrooms such as shiitake, cremini, button, baby bellas, or porcini mushrooms. A mix of mushrooms can add complexity to the dish.
To prepare the mushrooms, wash and chop them into small pieces. You can then cook them in olive oil until they are browned and chewy.
Yes, mushrooms are a great alternative to meat in bolognese. You can create a hearty and savory vegetarian or vegan dish by using a variety of mushrooms and vegetables.
