Tempeh Bolognese

Name: Tempeh Bolognese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: One 8-ounce package of tempeh, crumbled into small bits; 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 1 medium carrot, peeled and finely grated or diced* (see note below); 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, finely diced; 3 medium garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano, dried thyme, or Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional); Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional); ¾ cup dry red wine*; One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon maple syrup, honey, or granulated sugar (optional)*; 1 pound pasta (any shape)*; Chopped basil or parsley, for serving