Seitan Ragù Bolognese

If you’re craving a comforting bowl of pasta topped with a rich and flavorful sauce, look no further!

This vegan Seitan Ragù Bolognese is here to satisfy your cravings. Packed with hearty flavors and made with simple ingredients, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.

I’ve tried many vegan versions of Bolognese—lentils, mushrooms, tofu—you name it! But honestly, seitan takes the crown when it comes to taste. Its hearty texture and ability to soak up flavors make it my absolute favorite.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3/4 small frozen soffritto cube (homemade mix of diced carrot, onion, and celery)
• 200g seitan, pulsed in a food processor until crumbled
• ½ cup red wine
• 700g tomato passata
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup water (or as needed)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.Start with the Soffrito: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the frozen soffritto cubes. Let it melt and sauté until fragrant—about 5 minutes.
2.Add the Seitan: Stir in the crumbled seitan with a pinch of salt and cook for another 5 minutes, letting it absorb the flavors of the soffritto.
3.Deglaze with Red Wine: Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the alcohol evaporates. This step adds depth and richness to the sauce.
4.Incorporate the Tomato Sauce: Add the tomato passata, the water and the bay leaf. Mix well to combine.

5.Cook:

• Pressure Cooker: Close the lid, bring to pressure, and cook on low for 30/35 minutes. Release the pressure naturally before opening.
• Regular Pot: Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for at leat 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add water as needed to keep the consistency right.

6.Season and Serve: Add salt if needed, remove the bay leaf, and serve the sauce over your favorite pasta. 

Pro Tips for the Perfect Seitan Bolognese

• Wine Choice: Use a good-quality red wine that you’d enjoy drinking—it makes all the difference!
• Time Saver: The pressure cooker is a game-changer for busy weeknights.
• Perfect for Lasagna: This Seitan Bolognese is a fantastic filling for vegan lasagna. Check out my Vegan Lasagna Recipe on the blog for step-by-step instructions!
• Herbal Twist: Swap the bay leaf for fresh rosemary or thyme for a new flavor profile.

VIDEO RECIPE: