Meghan Markle Zucchini Bolognese
This zucchini Bolognese transforms humble zucchini into a glossy, smoky, and savory sauce that clings to pasta beautifully. It uses simple ingredients like onion, garlic, tomato paste, and fresh herbs to create a rich, elegant vegetarian dish with a satisfying final texture. The sauce bubbles and thickens to a luscious consistency, offering a comforting yet refined meal.
Print
Pin
Calories: 230kcal
Servings: 4
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Sharp knife & chopping board
- Grater or microplane
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini firm, fresh
- 1 small onion yellow or white
- 3 cloves garlic fresh, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil good quality, fruity
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste smoky, rich
- 1 handful fresh basil chopped
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese grated, optional
Instructions
- Chop the onion into small, even pieces and mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the zucchini into thin rounds or half-moons, aiming for uniform thickness so they cook evenly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent, filling the kitchen with a sweet, savory aroma.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the sliced zucchini to the pan, stirring well to coat with the aromatics. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini softens and begins to turn golden around the edges.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to deepen in flavor and develop a smoky aroma. If it sticks, add a splash of water or broth to loosen.
- Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a glossy, smoky, and flavorful sauce that coats the zucchini evenly.
- Chop fresh basil leaves and stir them into the sauce, along with grated parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast if desired. Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt if needed.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the sauce rest for 5 minutes—this helps the flavors meld and the sauce to set slightly.
- Serve the zucchini Bolognese over your favorite cooked pasta or roasted vegetables. Garnish with extra basil or cheese if desired, and enjoy the glossy, smoky, comforting dish.
Notes
For a richer flavor, let the sauce simmer a bit longer to develop deeper smoky notes. You can also add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar during simmering for extra depth.
Nutrition
Calories: 230kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 150mg | Potassium: 700mg | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 2mg