Tagliatelle with “Faux” Tuscan Sauce: vegetarian take on a classic

December 18th, 2025 | Do you know the difference between the Ragù sauces from each Italian region?
For every Italian region, there is a different version of Ragù, each with its own typical ingredients but united by meat as the main component.

Tuscan Ragù is characterized by slow cooking and the use of the classic vegetable soffritto. Unlike Bolognese ragù, for example, which is distinguished by its delicacy and smooth texture, the traditional Tuscan recipe often calls for whole cuts of meat (such as veal braciole) or a mix of ground meats, resulting in a more intense flavor.

But did you know there is also a meatless version of Ragù?

For our Recipes & Pairings section, we offer you a typical Tuscan recipe in a vegetarian version: Tagliatelle with “Finto Sugo Toscano” (“Faux tuscan sauce”) by Chef Mariolina from the 5eCinque restaurant.

Tuscan cuisine is not just “Bistecca alla Fiorentina”

Tuscan cuisine goes beyond the Florentine steak. We have other delights such as pappa al pomodoro, ribollita, pappardelle with wild boar sauce, and much more. This time, we bring you Tuscan “Finto” (fake) Sauce, setting aside the meat and giving the spotlight to our vegetable friends. It’s an easy recipe to prepare with ingredients you might already have at home.

In the Pot and in the Glass: “Com’era” red wine

Vegetables are undoubtedly the stars of this fake Tuscan sauce recipe, but what gives it character is the “secret” ingredient (not anymore a secret from today!) chosen by the Chef: our Rosso Toscana IGT “Com’era” wine, which goes from being a simple pairing to becoming a fundamental part of the dish.

A red blend of Sangiovese and Canaiolo with good acidity and persistence, tannins that are present but not overpowering and with a smooth texture. A wine of a thousand nuances, ideal for both cooking and pairing with various dishes.

Curious to learn the story behind our “Com’era” and explore our other organic products? Discover them all HERE

Recipe “Faux” Tuscan Sauce from 5&Cinque

Ingredients

650 g Tagliatelle
750 g red onion (preferably Vernina or from Certaldo)
600 g carrots
1200 g chopped peeled tomatoes (not pureed)
400 g celery
15 bay leaves
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Rosso Toscano IGT “Com’era” wine

Procedure

Begin by finely chopping the celery, carrot, and onion. In a pan, sauté the chopped vegetables with a pinch of salt, the bay leaves, and a liter of Com’era wine. Let it simmer over low heat until the wine evaporates.
At this point, add the chopped peeled tomatoes and a little water. Season with salt and pepper, stir well, and let it cook for another 80 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cook the tagliatelle in a pot of boiling salted water. Drain and toss with the sauce.

Crdt: Ristorante 5&cinque

Organic and Plant-Based Cuisine in Florence

The 5eCinque is a natural vegetarian cuisine restaurante, focusing on the careful selection of organic and naturalingredients that are also seasonal, most of which come from the surrounding region and their own garden.

For handmade lovers, we would like to point out that everything served at 5eCinque is made in-house: from filled pastas to savory pies, from focaccia to casseroles, from desserts to cantucci, from jams to mustards.

Every dish from 5eCinque represents passion and dedication. All dishes are full of flavor and can be paired with our wines, which you can find on their extensive wine list, also recognized by Slow Food as one of the best Italian wine lists.

So, if you find yourself in the Santo Spirito area of Florence, now you know where to stop for good food, made with real local products, and of course, plenty of good wine!