Walnut ‘Meat’ Sauce

At it again with another walnut ‘meat’ recipe, but I just can’t help myself… they are so darn good. Walnuts have the perfect texture and flavor to act as a meat substitute for a super hearty and delicious vegetarian (or vegan) meal. And this recipe, for a vegan walnut ‘meat’ sauce is exactly that: hearty, satisfying, delicious comfort food.

The handy dandy food processor makes this a really easy meal to pull together as well. All your ‘meat’ ingredients go into the food processor until they are all combined into a crumble-like texture.

Then cook the crumble in a pan until it browns, breaking apart as you go,  add some canned tomatoes, season and let it simmer so all the flavors can get really happy together in the pot. And just like that your sauce is done. Combined with your favorite pasta for that perfect carby bowl of comfort. I also like to top mine with parmesan cheese and fresh basil but omit the cheese to keep it vegan. This is also easily a gluten free recipe (sub tamari for the soy sauce) and add to your favorite gluten free pasta or some zoodles and dinner is done.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also want to check out some of my other walnut ‘meat’ recipes like these walnut meatballs or these walnut tacos!

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Walnut 'Meat' Sauce

Yield: 6-8

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 30 MinTotal time: 40 Min

Ingredients

• 2 cups walnuts
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (not in oil)
• 1/2 onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari)
• 1 tablespoon vegan worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 - 15oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 - 28oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. TOAST: Start by toasting the walnuts. Place them in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until they become browned and smell toasty. you don't want to burn them, so keep a close eye on them.
2. COMBINE: Once the walnuts are toasted, add them to the food processor with the sundered tomatoes, onion, garlic, nutritional yeast, dried oregano, soy sauce, worcestershire sauce and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Turn food processor on and combine until the ingredients form a crumble texture. You may have to stop and scrape down the side to be sure it is all mixed together.
3. COOK: Heat a sauce pan over medium heat and add the walnut mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally, breaking apart into pieces and allowing the edges of the crumble to brown.
4. GET SAUCY: After the walnut mixture is browned, add the cans of tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes. Taste and add more salt and pepper as needed. 
5. SERVE: While the sauce simmer, cook your favorite pasta according to package direction. Once the sauce and pasta are done cooking combine. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and/or fresh basil and enjoy!

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