A great vegetarian option that comes together quickly for a comforting and nutritious meal. 

INGREDIENTS​

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 

• 1 c each carrots, onions and zucchini, minced

• 1 tsp Kosher salt

• 3 tbsp garlic paste

• 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (or more to taste)

• 1 lb ground Impossible Meat (80/20 protein to fat ratio)

• 1/2 c dry sherry (preferred) or red wine

• 1 c tomato puree or Passata 

• 1/2 c vegetable stock

• 1 tbsp creme fraiche or heavy cream, or butter for extra richness (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat heavy, bottomed pot over medium heat and add olive oil. When oil is warm, add vegetables and season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and cook until vegetables are soft and glistening, about 5 minutes (don’t brown vegetables, turn heat to low if needed).
    

2. Add garlic paste and red chili flakes until fragrant, about 1 minute. Next, add meat and season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt, cook till brown, stirring occasionally (about 5 minutes).
    

3. Lower heat, and add dry sherry or red wine and deglaze bottom of pan (scraping up brown bits with wooden spoon).  This technique will add a ton of flavor to your dish! Let liquid reduce by at least half.
    

4. Next, add 1 cup tomato puree and 1/2 cup of stock (or water) and bring to a simmer. 
   Let sauce cook and come together, stirring on occasion, about 5 minutes.  Do not let liquid reduce too much!  When sauce looks like perfect consistency, turn off the heat!
    

5. If you want to add a touch more richness, add the next ingredients: 
   Add 1 heaping tbsp of creme fraiche or 1 tab of unsalted butter, fold into sauce - optional
   
   Serve immediately or can store in fridge several days. This sauce is always better the next day!
    

A FINAL NOTE

You'll find that I'm a fan of and frequently use prepared aromatics such as garlic puree or chunky garlic. My favorite brand to use is Gourmet Garden. These products not only save time but also provide a consistent taste and consistency with cooking. Store them in the refrigerator and use within two weeks for best flavor. ​

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*Passata is pureed, strained tomatoes usually sold in bottles. It's 100% tomato, no additives or flavorings, but sometimes contains added salt. It's uniform and smooth unlike crushed or chopped tomatoes, and makes gorgeously thick tomato-based sauces.

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