Bean Bolognese

Fiber-rich beans stand in for the beef and pork in this surprisingly rich-tasting vegetarian take on pasta Bolognese. Without the meat, the dish has only a third of the fat and 80 percent less saturated fat. To make the perfect meal, serve with a peppery arugula salad and warm, crusty Italian bread.
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
-
1 14-ounce can
salad beans or other beans, rinsed, divided (see Note)
-
2 tablespoons
extra-virgin olive oil
-
1 small
onion, chopped
-
1/2 cup
carrot, chopped
-
1/4 cup
celery, chopped
-
1/2 teaspoon
salt
-
4 cloves
garlic, chopped
-
1
bay leaf
-
1/2 cup
white wine
-
1 14-ounce can
diced tomatoes
-
1/4 cup
fresh parsley, chopped, divided
-
8 ounces
whole-wheat fettuccine
-
1/2 cup
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Put a large pot of water on to boil. Mash 1/2 cup beans in a small bowl with a fork.
- Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery and salt; cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and bay leaf; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Add wine; increase heat to high and boil until most of the liquid evaporates, 3 to 4 minutes. Add tomatoes and their juices, 2 tablespoons parsley and the mashed beans. Bring to a lively simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 6 minutes. Add the remaining whole beans; cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes more.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in the boiling water until just tender, about 9 minutes or according to package directions. Drain.
- Divide the pasta among 4 bowls. Discard the bay leaf and top the pasta with the sauce; sprinkle with Parmesan and the remaining parsley.
A can of salad beans, a mixture of chickpeas, kidney and pinto beans, adds depth and variety to this recipe. Look for it in the natural-foods section of larger supermarkets or natural-foods stores. If you can’t find it, substitute a can of your favorite beans.
Reviewed July 16, 2012
© Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
For more recipes go to
EatingWell.com
Makes: 4 servings
Serving Size: 3/4 cup sauce
- Calories443
- Fat11 g
- Saturated fat3 g
- Cholesterol9 mg
- Carbohydrates67 g
- Dietary fiber14 g
- Protein19 g
- Sodium707 mg
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