Smoky Mushroom & Tofu Bolognese, Vegan!

This Smoky Mushroom & Tofu Bolognese is a great change from vegan mince. It’s easy to make and ready in 45 minutes. Just what you need after a busy day.

It has a subtle smoky flavour from smoked paprika and liquid smoke.

However, tofu is one of those things that you either love or hate, and my husband was definitely a hater before I got my tofu press. Pressing the tofu really does make such a difference to the texture, especially when grating for this recipe, or when you want to make crispy tofu.

Tofu is very bland unflavoured and so by pressing all the liquid out, the tofu can then absorb flavour when added. For this recipe, the naturally flavoured water that is released from the mushrooms is how to get some flavour into the tofu when added to the mushrooms – see step 2 of instructions below.

And, of course, you can press it by putting it on kitchen paper towels, with a heavy book, or two on top, but I like to leave it in the fridge overnight so I can get as much liquid out as possible, and a tofu press is so easy and hygienic to use.

Having said all that, if you are still a hater, this bolognese is great with just the mushrooms ???? but you will need to double the quantity!

I am definitely a kitchen gadget fan. Anything that makes life easier and quicker, I am up for having in my kitchen! So, rather than stand and dice mushrooms with a knife, I have this great gadget called a Nicer Dicer. It makes great finely chopped mushrooms to replicate mince and is also great for all kinds of veg including finely diced onions, peppers, etc to make salsa, julienne vegetables and lots more.

You simply use one blade to slice the mushrooms and then change to dice them. Takes several minutes off the prep time ????

It’s also great if you want to prepare mushroom mince, or other vegetables, ahead and put it in the freezer. ????????

How To Make Smoky Mushroom & Tofu Bolognese

Equipment you will need

Kitchen scales

Tofu press – optional

Nicer dicer – optional

Sharp knife

Grater

Garlic mincer

Measuring spoons

large, non-stick pan with a lid

Spatula or similar

Bowl

Step 1 – Place the water and mushrooms in a large, non-stick pan. Cook over a high-medium heat, stirring frequently for 3-4 minutes. The mushrooms will shrink down and release water.

Step 2 – When the water is released from the mushrooms, turn off the heat, add the tofu to the pan, mix well and transfer to a bowl, and set aside. This will allow the tofu to soak up the mushroom liquid, giving it flavour.

Step 3 – Using the same pan, heat the oil over a medium heat, add the onions and sprinkle over the sugar. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions have softened and started to turn golden brown.

I used Coconut sugar as it’s naturally vegan, but you can use any vegan-friendly brown sugar. I am not a fan of needlessly adding sugar to things but it does reduce some of the acidity in a tomato-based sauce.

Step 4 – Add the garlic, paprika and oregano. Stir and cover the pan. Continue to cook, over a low heat, for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

This will give the onions a lovely deep colour and added flavour that will merge beautifully with the final ingredients when they are added.

Step 5 – Next, add the passata, mushroom ketchup and liquid smoke. Increase the heat to bring a simmer.

Mushroom Ketchup is one of my favourite condiments. It’s quite like vegan Worcestershire Sauce in that it has a distinct flavour with a little kick! But I hands down prefer this.

Step 6 – Add the mushrooms and tofu, along with any liquid left in the bowl, cover, and gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7 – Generously season with freshly ground salt and black pepper and serve with pasta, home-made garlic bread, or baked potatoes.

This recipe does make quite a thick bolognese so if you prefer a little more sauce to yours just add an extra carton of passata in step 5.

I would really appreciate hearing from you when you have tried this recipe, so please leave a comment in the comments box below ????????

Happy Bolognese making and ENJOY! ????