Bolognese Sauce / Spaghetti Bolognese
An all time family favourite. The proper Italian way is to stir the Bolognese into the drained pasta and serve with fresh grated parmesan cheese.
Preparation time: 10 - 15 minutes Quantity: Serves 4 Cooking time: 30 minutes or so
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 onions finely chopped
2 cloves crushed garlic
1 lb./ 460g minced beef
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tin plum tomatoes – chopped
1 tin water (filled from above)
2 tablespoons Worcester sauce or 1 of dark soy sauce
2 tablespoons fresh herbs - optional
3 tablespoons tomato puree
salt and pepper
For healthier Bolognese hide in
1 large grated carrot
1/2 finely diced red pepper
1/2 grated courgette - optional
For a richer Bolognese-
add 1 glass of red wine, 10 minutes before the end and boil till well incorporated and reduced
Spaghetti -
3 oz / 90g per person
Method
- Heat up the oil in a large frying pan
- Fry of the onion, till soft but not browned
- Add the garlic and minced beef
- Cook until browned all over, and separated - sometimes mince can form in to lumps so break it up with a wooden spoon
- Add all else except the puree and allow to simmer stirring occasionally until the mince is tender and the mix reduced and thickened approx. 20 -30 minutes (if the mix dries up too soon add more water)
- Stir in the puree and season to taste
For the spaghetti or other pasta -
- Bring a large pan of salted water to a rapid boil
- Add a teaspoon of olive oil and the pasta
Stir and then boil for the recommended time (minus one minute) on the back of the packet