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Pumpkin Mushroom Bolognese

This recipe elevates your usual Bolognese recipe and not only adds multiple layers of flavors but gives it a punch of extra veggies with a secret ingredient not typically found in traditional Bolognese sauce. This secret ingredient not only adds a ton of fiber and vitamin C but gives the sauce a creamy texture. 
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of minced/ground beef
  • 1 can of crushed tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 cups of passata strained sieved tomatoes or use tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup broth or water
  • 1 can of pure pumpkin puree
  • 1 onion finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 yellow or orange bell pepper diced
  • 8 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 cup diced mushrooms
  • 2 tbsp avocado or extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp oregano
  • 1 tbsp ground basil
  • 1/2 tsp thyme
  • 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
  • pinch red chili flakes optional

Instructions

  • Dice up your onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic.
  • Over medium heat add your 1 tbsp of oil to a large saucepan. Saute up all your veggies for 7-8 minutes or until soft. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add in your balsamic vinegar and cook until all absorbed.
  • Take veggies out and put them in a bowl.
  • Add in your additional 1 tbsp of oil back into your saucepan. Over medium to high heat sear/fry up your beef. Allowing it to get a nice crust on the meat. Drain off any additional water that may cook out. You do not want your beef to be grey and soggy. Give it time to sear/fry up. Use your spoon to break up into bigger meat chunks. Could take 15-20 mins.
  • Season meat with the rest of the salt/pepper and all the spices listed above.
  • Put the veggie mixture back in the pan with the meat.
  • Add in your canned tomato, passata, broth or water, and pumpkin. Stir well.
  • Bring to a boil. Then turn down to low heat and let simmer for 25-30 mins. You can cover the sauce while it simmers. Checking it periodically and stirring. Give it a taste and add any additional salt/pepper or spices.
  • Serve over grain-free pasta if Paleo or your favorite pasta.

Notes

Some grocery stores in the U.S. sell the Jovial brand grain-free cassava pasta line. You can also order from Amazon or iHerb.