Craving a mind-blowing vegan pasta dish that'll make your taste buds dance and your protein-loving friends jealous? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner game with the Thug Kitchen Chickpea Bolognese - a plant-powered masterpiece that proves you don't need meat to create an absolutely epic, flavor-packed meal! This recipe is about to turn your kitchen into a culinary battleground of deliciousness, where chickpeas become the unexpected heroes of your dinner plate.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pasta of choice
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean countertop. This will help streamline the cooking process and ensure you have everything you need at hand.
- In a large pot or skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and slightly golden.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Stir it in and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn. The garlic should become fragrant.
- Now, it’s time to add the chickpeas. Pour in the drained and rinsed chickpeas, and stir them into the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the chickpeas to warm through and absorb some of the flavors.
- Once the chickpeas are heated, add the can of crushed tomatoes and the tomato paste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Season the mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to meld.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to the package instructions in a separate pot. Be sure to salt the water generously for flavor. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and set it aside.
- After the sauce has simmered and thickened slightly, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you want a bit more depth, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- To serve, divide the cooked pasta among four plates and ladle the chickpea bolognese sauce generously over the top. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil or nutritional yeast for added flavor.
- Enjoy your hearty and delicious Thug Kitchen Chickpea Bolognese with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal!
Tips
- • For maximum flavor, make sure to drain and rinse your chickpeas thoroughly to remove any excess canning liquid • Don't rush the onion and garlic sauté - letting them caramelize slowly builds a rich flavor foundation • Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best sauce texture • If you want extra protein, consider adding nutritional yeast or a sprinkle of vegan parmesan • For a gluten-free version, swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or your favorite gluten-free pasta • The sauce actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make extra for leftovers • Feel free to customize with additional vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for more complexity
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
