What Vegetables go with Spaghetti Bolognese 18 Tasty Ideas
What’s not to love about spaghetti bolognese? The delicious sauce, the perfect mix of spices, and the pasta all come together to create a dish that’s hard to beat. But what can you serve as a side dish to really complement this amazing meal?
This is a problem many people face from time to time. However, there’s never really a single answer that will work for everyone. It all comes down to what you and your family like to eat. But, I’m here to help!
Just a few weeks ago, I was having this exact same problem. I wanted to make a spaghetti bolognese that would be the envy of my friends, but I didn’t know what to serve with it. After some trial and error, I finally found the perfect combination of vegetables that not only tasted great but complemented the other ingredients in the dish.
So in this article, I will share my findings with you.
Let’s get started!
Best Vegetables to Pair with Spaghetti Bolognese
- Artichokes
- Carrots
- Corn
- Spinach
- Brussels sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Peas
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
- Bell peppers
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini
- Eggplant
- Kale
- Celery
- Mushrooms
- Green beans
- Onions
Artichokes
Let’s get the ball rolling with Artichoke. This vegetable which is oftentimes deemed intimidating is actually quite easy to work with in the kitchen. Its flavor profile goes well with many different dishes, but it pairs especially well with spaghetti bolognese.
Frankly, the natural flavors of the artichoke complement the savory taste of the bolognese, and the two ingredients work together to create a delicious and balanced meal.
So, if you’re looking to try artichoke for the first time, or if you’re looking for a new way to prepare it, here is a simple and delicious way to do it.
Start by trimming the artichoke down to its edible portion. Then, cut the vegetable into bite-sized pieces and add them to your spaghetti bolognese. As the dish cooks, the flavors of the artichoke will infuse into the sauce, creating a rich and flavorful meal you will want to enjoy again and again.
Carrots
Next on our list of vegetables that go great with spaghetti bolognese are carrots. This root vegetable is not only healthy but also incredibly versatile. It can be used in sweet dishes or savory ones, making it the perfect ingredient for many different recipes.
Now, when it comes to pairing carrots with spaghetti bolognese, you have a few different options. You can either shred the carrots into thin strips or cut them into small pieces. I prefer to shred the carrots because they tend to absorb the flavors of the sauce better.
However, for a fun and exciting way to prepare carrots, I recommend roasting them. This method brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots and pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the bolognese.
To roast your carrots, start by peeling them and then cutting them into thin strips. Then, toss them in a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Next, place them on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven for a couple of minutes. Once they’re finished, add them to your bolognese and prepare to be wowed.
Corn
Another great vegetable to pair with spaghetti bolognese is corn. This sweet and crunchy ingredient is the perfect addition to this dish. Likewise, it adds a bit of texture and sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the bolognese.
Basically, there are a few different ways you can prepare corn to add to your spaghetti bolognese. One way is to simply cut the kernels off the cob and add them to the dish. This is a quick and easy way to do it, but it doesn’t really give the corn a chance to absorb the flavors of the bolognese.
From my experience, a better way to prepare it is to cook it in sauce. This allows the corn to absorb all the delicious flavors and also results in a more cohesive dish. To do this, start by cutting the kernels off the cob. Then, add them to your sauce and cook until tender. This usually takes about 15 minutes.
Spinach
Yet another great leafy green to add to your spaghetti bolognese is spinach. This vegetable is not only healthy but also has a delicate flavor that pairs well with many different dishes. When it comes to pairing spinach with spaghetti bolognese, I like to use frozen spinach.
I find that frozen spinach is easier to work with and it also tends to absorb the flavors of the sauce better. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some extra vegetables into your diet.
To use frozen spinach, simply add it to your bolognese when you would typically add pasta. The spinach will thaw in the sauce and cook until tender. This usually takes just a few minutes.
If you’re looking for a more traditional way to prepare the spinach, you can sauté it in a bit of olive oil. Start by adding the spinach to a pan with some olive oil and cooking until wilted. Then, add it to your bolognese and enjoy.
Peas
Next on the list is peas. This little green vegetable is sometimes overlooked but it actually pairs quite well with spaghetti bolognese. In addition, peas add a bit of sweetness and color to the dish, making it more visually appealing.
By and large, there are a few different ways you can prepare peas to add to your bolognese. One way is to simply cook them in the sauce. This allows them to absorb all the delicious flavors and also results in a more cohesive dish.
To do this, start by adding the peas to your sauce and cooking until tender. This process requires only a few minutes.
Another way to prepare peas is to sauté them in a bit of olive oil. Start by adding the peas to a pan with some olive oil and cooking until tender. Then, add them to your bolognese and get to eating!
Broccoli
Following peas are broccoli, yet another great vegetable to add to your bolognese. This veggie is highly nutritious and has a slightly bitterish taste that many people enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some extra vegetables into your diet.
When it comes to preparing broccoli for your bolognese, I recommend roasting it. You will be glad you did since roasting really brings out the flavors of any vegetable.
With that said, start by peeling the broccoli and then cutting it into thin strips. Next, toss it with a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Then, place it on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven for a couple of minutes. Once it’s done, add it to your bolognese or serve it separately with your favorite dressing.
Bell peppers
Now y’all listen up, I’m about to tell you another of my favorite vegetables and for me, it’s one of the best ways to make your spaghetti bolognese even better. You’re going to add in some bell peppers! Now I know what you’re thinking, “Really, bell peppers”
But just trust me on this one.
See, bell peppers pair well with spaghetti bolognese because they’ve got a nice crunch that contrasts with the creamy sauce and the hearty ground beef. Plus, they add a pop of color to the dish.
Now, as far as preparation goes, I like to dice up my bell peppers into small pieces so they blend in with the sauce. But you can do whatever you want perhaps slice them into strips, chop them into chunks, it’s up to you! Just make sure you cook them until they’re nice and soft.
And finally, if you’re looking for other ways to use bell peppers, try adding them to your favorite chili recipe or using them as a topping for pizzas and salads.
Mushrooms
Last but not least, I have mushrooms. And, at this point, some persons may be saying “Mushrooms? No way!” But hear me out because they really are a great addition to spaghetti bolognese.
Not only do they add an earthy flavor to the dish, but they also help to thicken it up. Plus, they’re a great source of protein.
As it relates to preparation, I like to sauté the mushrooms in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the bolognese. This helps to bring out their flavor and also ensures that they’re cooked through.
To do this, start by adding the mushrooms to a pan with some olive oil and cooking until tender. Then, add them alongside your bolognese and you’ve got yourself a fantastic meal.
Some other vegetables that pair well with Spaghetti Bolognese are:
- Asparagus
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini
- Eggplant
- Kale
- Celery
- Green beans
- Onions
FAQ
What’s a good side dish for spaghetti and meatballs?
Some great side dishes for spaghetti and meatballs include garlic bread, a simple salad, or sautéed vegetables.
How do you serve spaghetti bolognese at a dinner party?
When serving spaghetti bolognese at a dinner party, I like to garnish it with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve it with a simple side salad or toasted bread.
How do you serve spaghetti as a guest?
When serving spaghetti, I recommend plating in individual bowls and allow each guest to add their own toppings. This way, everyone can customize their meal to their liking. Alternately, you can also serve a family-style meal and provide a variety of toppings for everyone to share.
What’s a good drink to serve with spaghetti bolognese?
A glass of red wine is always a great choice! However, if you’re looking for something non-alcoholic, try serving iced tea or lemonade.
Conclusion
There you have it! A list of vegetables that go great with spaghetti bolognese. So, the next time you’re looking to add a little something extra to your pasta dish, be sure to give one of these veggies a try.
Make no mistake about it, the vegetables listed above are just a starting point. So, if you’ve got a favorite veggie that you think would pair well with spaghetti bolognese, go ahead and give it a try. You may just be surprised at how good it is!
What Vegetables go with Spaghetti Bolognese 18 Tasty Ideas
Ingredients
- Artichokes
- Carrots
- Corn
- Spinach
- Brussels sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Peas
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
- Bell peppers
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini
- Eggplant
- Kale
- Celery
- Mushrooms
- Green beans
- Onions
Instructions
- Choose your preferred side dish recipe to serve with Spaghetti Bolognese
- Prepare the ingredients needed to complete the recipe
- Prepare your side dish
- Enjoy