{"id":258144,"date":"2026-08-18T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-18T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/18\/easy-eggplant-bolognese-1-pot\/"},"modified":"2026-08-18T08:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T08:00:00","slug":"easy-eggplant-bolognese-1-pot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/18\/easy-eggplant-bolognese-1-pot\/","title":{"rendered":"Easy Eggplant Bolognese (1 Pot!)"},"content":{"rendered":"


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When we add another<\/em> bolognese to the blog (Yes, we already have versions 1<\/a>, 2<\/a>, 3<\/a>, and 4<\/a>), you know<\/em> it\u2019s something special! This newest version is made with EGGPLANT, meaning it\u2019s the perfect bolognese for late summer. It\u2019s light yet satisfying, creamy yet bright, and full of bold Italian-inspired flavor \u2014 everyone will be asking for seconds!<\/p>\n

Even better? It\u2019s a breeze to make \u2014 just 1 pot<\/strong> required! What are you waiting for? Get that pasta water boiling!<\/p>\n

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What is Bolognese?<\/h2>\n

Bolognese<\/a>\u00a0is an Italian sauce that gets its name from the Italian city of Bologna. It\u2019s typically made with meat, soffrito<\/em>\u00a0(onions, celery, and carrots), white wine, milk, and tomato paste or sauce, all simmered to create a rich, flavorful sauce.<\/p>\n

Our eggplant version strays from the traditional as it excludes meat (and includes eggplant) and incorporates dairy alternatives. But the rest of the dish is very similar to traditional bolognese and feels so hearty it might convert even the most adamant veggie skeptics!<\/p>\n

How to Make Eggplant Bolognese<\/h2>\n

This 1-pot<\/strong> eggplant bolognese is everything you want for a cozy pasta night, minus the fuss! It starts with saut\u00e9ing onion and carrots to create a simple, savory-sweet base. Next, we add eggplant (cut into very small cubes) and let it saut\u00e9 until it has softened and browned (hello, flavor!).<\/p>\n

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Build the flavor even further with garlic and red pepper flakes and by deglazing the pan with wine. Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste ensure a bright, tomato-forward sauce<\/strong>, and a small amount of dairy-free milk (we like homemade cashew milk<\/a>) gives it a gentle creaminess and richness<\/strong>. The final flavor touches include dried Italian herbs (basil + oregano), sea salt, and maple syrup to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.<\/p>\n

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Once all the ingredients are in your pan, it\u2019s time to let the heat do its magic. Simmering for at least 20-30 minutes allows the sauce to thicken and concentrates the flavors as liquid evaporates away. If you have the time, you can let it continue simmering for up to an hour for even more flavor!<\/p>\n

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When it\u2019s done simmering, you\u2019ll be left with an oh-so delicious, plant-powered sauce perfect for serving with your favorite pasta! It would also be lovely over polenta<\/a> and is elevated by garnishing with fresh basil and our homemade vegan parmesan cheese<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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We think you\u2019ll LOVE this eggplant bolognese! It\u2019s:<\/p>\n

Rich
Savory
Creamy yet bright
Light yet satisfying
Easy to make
& SO delicious!<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the perfect dish for a late summer pasta night! While quick enough for a weeknight, it\u2019s also impressive enough to serve to dinner guests, especially paired with our Simple Vegan Meatballs<\/a>, Pesto Turkey Meatballs<\/a>, or Chickpea Caesar Salad (30 Minutes!)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

More Eggplant Recipes<\/h2>\n

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don\u2019t forget to tag a photo\u00a0@minimalistbaker<\/a>\u00a0on Instagram. Cheers, friends!<\/p>\n

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Prep Time <\/span>15 minutes<\/span><\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Cook Time <\/span>30 minutes<\/span><\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Total Time <\/span>45 minutes<\/span><\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Servings <\/span>4<\/span><\/p>\n

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Course <\/span>Entr\u00e9e<\/span><\/p>\n

Cuisine <\/span>Gluten-Free (optional), Italian-Inspired, Vegan<\/span><\/p>\n

Freezer Friendly <\/span>1 month<\/span><\/p>\n

Does it keep? <\/span>3-4 Days<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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