Turkey Bolognese

Ingredients

Optional toppings:

• parmesan cheese
• chopped basil or fresh parsley

Directions

• In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil. Add the diced carrot and shiitake caps. Cook them until they are starting to caramelize. Add the chopped garlic and onion. Cook until they are translucent.
• Add the ground turkey and salt. Continue cooking the mixture until the meat is no longer pink.
• Add the chopped tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated.
• Add the thyme and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
• Serve, use, or cool and store the meat sauce. Top with parmesan, fresh Italian parsley, or fresh basil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or pork. For a leaner option, stick with ground chicken breast or lean ground beef.

What can I use instead of shiitake mushrooms?
You can use button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, or omit them if needed.

Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Diced zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach are great additions to boost the veggie content.

What if I don't have thyme?
Substitute thyme with Italian seasoning, oregano, or fresh basil for a similar flavor.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes, but you may need to simmer longer to reduce the liquid.

Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, use the tomatoes with their juice to create a flavorful sauce base.

Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes, it stores well and even tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.

How do I caramelize the carrots and mushrooms?
Cook them on medium heat without stirring too frequently, allowing the natural sugars to brown slightly.

What's the best way to thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer uncovered until most of the liquid evaporates. For a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste.

How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients. You may need a larger pan to ensure even cooking.

What's the best pasta to serve with this sauce?
Traditional options like spaghetti, ravioli, or tortellini work well, but you can also serve it with zoodles, spaghetti squash, or whole-grain pasta for a healthier twist.

Can I use this sauce for other dishes?
Yes, it's great in lasagna, stuffed peppers, or as a topping for baked potatoes or polenta.

How long does the sauce last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes, it freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the sauce itself is naturally gluten-free. Pair it with gluten-free pasta or zoodles for a complete gluten-free meal.

Can I make this dairy-free?
The recipe is already dairy-free, so no adjustments are needed.

Is this low-carb?
Yes, the sauce is low-carb. Serve it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.