Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese (and vegan meatballs)

It may be Italian, but there’s no doubt that spaghetti bolognese is one of England’s most popular meals. But if you’re animal-kind, you won’t be wanting factory-farmed beef, will you? And there is not enough land in England (a country of 60 million people) for everyone to eat free-range.

This hearty bolognese (The First Mess) is made with meaty mushrooms and sweet beetroot, for a nourishing dish that is made with all-natural ingredients.

So check out these simple recipes to serve with plastic-free pasta and plant-based Parmesan (real Parmesan is not even vegetarian, as by law it contains a cheese made with calf rennet). All these meals are cholesterol-free.

Read our post on food safety for people and pets (many foods including onion, garlic and spices are unsafe near animal friends). It’s best to just bin allium scraps (onion, garlic, leeks, shallots, chives) as like tomato/citrus/rhubarb scraps, acids could harm compost creatures.

For tinned ingredients, pop lids inside cans (or pop ring-pulls back over holes) to avoid wildlife getting trapped).

Tofoo Meatballs in Italian Sauce

Try these Tofoo meatballs in a Mediterranean Sauce. This tofu brand is organic and made in Yorkshire (recycle packaging at supermarket bag bins, if your kerbside does not recycle).

Spaghetti with Homemade Vegan Meatballs

This recipe for spaghetti with homemade vegan meatballs (Wallflower Kitchen) makes an ideal filling dinner, and is far better for you than meaty meatballs (and tastier and more filling than IKEA ones).

This recipe is packed with goodies – beans, mushrooms, rice and herbs. Unlike meaty meatballs, this recipe is full of fibre. So will keep you full for longer (and keep you regular! – good to help prevent heart disease and cancer).

They are also as easy to make as burgers. Just mix and mash, then smush into shapes, before baking. You can even cook them in an air-fryer, if you have one. The recipe contains yeast extract for extra flavour (don’t sub with miso if pregnant/nursing or weak immunity, due to being unpasteurised).

These beanballs ‘come together’ with oats as a binder. That’s more fibre – these are like heart medication in a pasta bowl! Then serve with your favourite pasta (or if you wish, go for the full Swedish dish with mashed potato and vegan gravy)