I have really struggled with what to name this recipe. A traditional bolognese is made with meat and cooked very slowly. This recipe involves no meat and can come together in about a half hour if you wish. It is definitely not a traditional Italian bolognese but it is a delicious, vegan and gluten free pasta sauce.
The main ingredient in this bolognese is TVP or textured vegetable protein which is dehydrated soy and can be a great substitute for meat.
I love to make this recipe ahead of time as the TVP mixture does need to cool down and then it will rehydrate again in the sauce. The recipe makes enough for two dinners so I separate the mixture into two and freeze half for a night when you don’t feel like cooking.
While the TVP is rehydrating, chop the walnuts with either a mini food processor or by hand with a knife until the walnuts are approximately the same size as the TVP.
I like to use a mortar and pestle to crush up the fennel seeds. You could also use a coffee grinder or crush them by hand using a rolling pin. If using ground fennel use only half the amount stated in the recipe.
Once the TVP is rehydrated, mix all of the ingredients together, spread it out on a baking pan and bake it for 20 minutes, tossing it after 15 minutes. Let the mixture cool and separate it into two. At this point it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.