Fertility Fit Veggie-Packed Mushroom Bolognese

Part of my new years goal & new wellness overall goal is to cut back on all meat. It just does not serve me.   These recipes help me stick to that.  This is also a great way to sneak and vegetables for yourself if you do not love veggies, your significant other will never know they are there and neither will your kids!  In the past I have just use mushrooms but I had carrots and celery at my house and decided to figure out a way to incorporate them as well.  I would recommend a big dollop of ricotta cheese in addition to the Parmesan cheese to add some protein and creaminess to balance the acidic tomato and umami. 

I have always been a little grossed out by preparing raw meat, raw chicken especially freaks me out.  I used to go more for ground turkey for pasta but do not miss it one bit with this mushroom substitute.  Matt even raved over this one.  The kids ate it up and 8 seconds.  It offers lots of great vegetables for fertility but you could also sneak in some kale, spinach, onion, lentils or what ever you have at home!

Embarking on a journey to reduce meat consumption can be deliciously rewarding (and cheaper) especially with recipes that sneak in nutrient-packed vegetables. This Mushroom Bolognese is not only a savory meatless alternative but also a clever way to incorporate veggies without compromising on flavor. Ingredients:

• 1 bag Banza Pasta (or pasta of your choice)
• 2 crates of mushrooms
• 1 cup of carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 to 1.5 jars of Rao's marinara (or your preferred spaghetti sauce)
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• Ricotta cheese
• Dry white wine
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic salt
• Trader Joe's umami seasoning (optional)

Instructions:

• Prepare the Mushroom Mixture:
• In a food processor, pulse the mushrooms until finely chopped, resembling the texture of cooked ground beef.
• In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and cook down the finely chopped mushrooms. Allow time for the water to cook off.
• Enhance the Mushroom Mixture:
• Once the mushrooms have cooked down, add a splash of dry white wine to enhance the flavor. Be patient as the liquid reduces.
• Blend Carrots and Celery:
• Boil the carrots and celery until soft but not mushy.
• In a food processor, pulse the boiled carrots and celery until they reach a similar consistency as the mushrooms.
• Combine Mushroom and Veggie Mixtures:
• Add the blended carrot and celery mixture to the pot with the mushrooms.
• Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the mixture

Infuse with Flavor:

• Pour in your favorite spaghetti sauce (l use Rao's marinara) and let the sauce simmer to develop rich flavors.

• Prepare Pasta:
• Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
• Assemble and Garnish:
• Serve the mushroom and veggie Bolognese over the cooked pasta.
• Top with dollops of ricotta cheese for added protein and creaminess.
• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, and Trader Joe's umami seasoning for an extra flavor boost.
• Freeze for Later:
• Consider freezing half of the sauce for later use; it maintains its deliciousness even after freezing.

Why this is great for fertility!

• Mushrooms:
• Folate: Mushrooms are a good source of folate, a crucial nutrient for fetal development and reproductive health.
• Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants, mushrooms contribute to overall health and may support reproductive function.
• Carrots:
• Beta-Carotene: Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for reproductive tissues and fetal development.
• Fiber: The fiber in carrots supports a healthy digestive system, promoting overall well-being.
• Celery:
• Vitamin K: Celery provides vitamin K, which is important for bone health and may contribute to a healthy pregnancy.
• Hydration: Celery has a high water content, aiding in hydration, which is crucial for overall health.
• Butter:
• Healthy Fats: Butter in moderation provides healthy fats that are essential for hormone production, including reproductive hormones.
• Ricotta Cheese:
• Protein: Ricotta cheese adds a protein boost, which is important for overall health and can be beneficial for fertility.
• Calcium: The calcium in ricotta supports bone health and may contribute to a healthy pregnancy.
• Parmesan Cheese:
• Calcium: Parmesan cheese is rich in calcium, supporting bone health during pregnancy.
• Protein: Provides additional protein for overall health and fertility support.

Enjoy the delightful journey of reducing meat consumption with this Veggie-Packed Mushroom Bolognese. Sneak in those veggies effortlessly, and your family won't even notice! The addition of ricotta cheese balances the flavors perfectly, creating a comforting and nutritious meal. Embrace the meatless goodness with each satisfying bite and savor the fulfillment of your New Year's goals.