How to Make a Recipe Vegan Mushroom Lentil Bolognese Sauce

Easter has passed, and the grain yeast back into action. That means for this evening Meatless Monday dinner, pasta is on the menu! This is a recipe that I have developed in my head for what seems like years now. I want to make sure that it is something really special before sharing the recipe with you all. The word "bolognese" conjures up an image of a very meaty sauce and, let's face it, often vegan version of the classic meat dishes just did not measure up. They must be tasty, but fat? It was a real challenge, especially if you do not want to use them processed soy meat alternatives laden soil. After pondering what to put in this sauce, it was finally time to get in the kitchen and try it. After several tests, I believe I have come up with something really delicious!

I have used the beans on the plate vegan before, like these tacos, but the real secret to this sauce of dried mushrooms. I first learned about this power delicacy dried-out when my friend Etti Hadar sharing family history with my food. Together, Etti and I read a memoir written by Uncle Dov, a Polish Jew who served in Italy at the Jewish Infantry Brigade and fought the Nazis during World War II before settling in Israel. It was clear in his memoir that Uncle Dov loved the food. In one passage he discussed dried mushrooms, and ideas are always stuck with me. Because the meat was expensive and hard to find, especially in winter, the fungus which is often used as a meat substitute. They were collected during the summer, and Dov's mother would string them with thread and needle, hanging them out to dry in the attic next to the chimney. During the winter, these dried mushrooms will be used in a number of different ways-they are sometimes added to the potato soup, or "burn" like a meat dish. Since learning this trick by Etti Uncle Dov, I have used the dried mushrooms in a variety of dishes, but never as a valid substitute for meat. When soaked and added to this bolognese, mushrooms take on a meaty taste and texture that even meat eaters will love. Savory taste is off the charts!