Author Notes
From Anya Kassoff’s Simply Vibrant cookbook: "It’s hard to imagine a better ingredient than portobello mushrooms for making an inspired, plant-based version of Bolognese. Portobellos, big-capped and plump, have it all in terms of meatiness and earthy savoriness. To achieve more of that full-bodied flavor usually associated with the hearty pasta dish, this recipe utilizes balsamic-soaked prunes, which add a dark, rich dimension."
Featured in: The Secret Ingredient for a Next-Level Vegetarian Bolognese.
Reprinted from Simply Vibrant by Anya Kassoff © 2018 by Anya Kassoff. Photographs © 2018 by Masha Davydova. Reprinted in arrangement with Roost Books, an imprint of Shambhala Publications, Inc. —Anya Kassoff
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Ingredients
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5 tablespoons
balsamic vinegar
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5
large prunes, chopped
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2 tablespoons
neutral coconut oil or olive oil
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1
large yellow onion, chopped
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2
medium-sized carrots, peeled and diced
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Sea salt, to taste
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1 1/2 pounds
(680g) portobello mushrooms, stemmed and cut into bite-size cubes
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5
garlic cloves, sliced
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1
small chili, seeded and finely chopped
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Leaves form 3 to 4 fresh thyme sprigs
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2 tablespoons
minced fresh rosemary
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1/2 cup
freshly squeezed lemon juice
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1 tablespoon
tomato paste
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2 tablespoons
tamari
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one
14 oz (397 g) can or box of diced tomatoes
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one
14 oz (397 g) package whole wheat (or other whole grain) spaghetti
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Handful of fresh parsley leaves, minced
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Handful of fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)
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Grated Parmesan, for garnish (optional)
Directions
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Pour balsamic vinegar the over prunes in a small bowl and set them aside to soak.
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Warm the oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots, season with salt to taste, and sauté for 10 minutes, until the onion is translucent and slightly golden.
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Add the mushrooms to the onions and sauté until all their juices evaporate, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic, chili, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper to taste, and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes.
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Increase the heat to medium high. Add the balsamic vinegar from the bowl with the prunes, along with the lemon juice, tomato paste, and tamari; toss to combine. Add the prunes to the pan. Cook a few more minutes, stirring often, until the liquid is almost completely evaporated.
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Add the tomatoes to the pan and reduce the heat to a slow simmer. Cover and cook for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Taste for salt and pepper and adjust if necessary. Remove the pan from the heat.
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While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it to al dente according to the directions on the package. Drain the pastas, reserving ¼ cup of the cooking water.
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Return the pasta to the pot, add the mushroom Bolognese and reserved pasta cooking water, and toss to combine. Divide the pasta among individual bowls and serve immediately, garnished with herbs and grated Parmesan, if using.
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