Main Meal

Description

This meatless ragu is made with plant-based ingredients like walnuts and crimini mushrooms. Serve it over your favorite type of pasta and sprinkle with seasoned panko breadcrumbs for a flavorful finish.

Total Time: 50 Mins
Serves: 4
Serving Size: 1-1/2 cups
Meal: Dinner, Lunch

Nutrition

• Calories: 400 cal
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.903 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 3.963 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Dietary Fiber: 6 g
• Total Sugars: 8 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Vitamin D: 6 mcg
• Calcium: 100 mg
• Iron: 4 mg
• Potassium: 630 mg

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups coarsely chopped cremini mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 cups crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup chopped California walnuts
• 1 (14 1/2-oz.) can diced tomatoes
• Sea salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 pound pasta
• Snipped fresh basil (optional garnish)

Preparation

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and onion and sauté for 5 minutes to soften. Stir in mushrooms and sauté over medium-low heat for 6 to 8 minutes more or until mushrooms are very soft, stirring occasionally. Stir in oregano, basil, tomato paste, and vinegar.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, walnuts, and diced tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
3. Cook pasta according to package directions while sauce is simmering, then drain well.
4. Heat remaining oil in a small skillet. Add breadcrumbs and red pepper and cook over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes or until golden brown, stirring frequently.
5. Place pasta into pasta bowls and top with equal amounts of sauce. (Or toss pasta with sauce before placing in bowls.) Sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon browned breadcrumbs. Top with fresh basil, if desired.