Tempeh Bolognaise

Photo: Tempeh Bolognaise
This is a hearty and simple pasta sauce that features protein-rich tempeh. Best served with a twisty noodle like fusilli to get as much sauce as possible per bite!
Yield
4-6 Servings
Ingredients
  • ¼ cup olive oil, divided
  • 1 (14-ounce) package Gimme Lean® vegetarian ground beef
  • 1(7-ounce) package smoky tempeh bacon, crumbled
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 cup diced carrot
  • 2 cups chopped mushrooms
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Tablespoons dried basil
  • 1 Tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 (14-15 ounce) jar crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14-15 ounce) jar diced tomatoes
  • 3 Tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 Tablespoons mirin
  • 2 Tablespoons agave nectar
  • 1 cup water
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste
  • 12-ounces pasta of choice
Instructions
  1. Heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add vegetarian ground beef and cook until browned – about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Add tempeh and continue to brown for 2-3 minutes. Stir in onions and carrots and saute until just browned, about 5-8 minutes.
  3. Add in remaining olive oil, mushrooms, garlic, basil and oregano. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring constantly, until vegetables are soft.
  4. Lower heat and add tomatoes, tomato paste, mirin and agave. Stir to combine, adding water to thin slightly. Taste sauce and season with salt and pepper if needed.
  5. Allow sauce to simmer sauce over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring often.
  6. Meanwhile, cook your desired pasta according to package directions.
  7. Divide pasta between serving bowls and smother with sauce. Enjoy!