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A very simple recipe for this Italian favorite.

Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 10 Mins
Cooking Time: 30 mins

INGREDIENTS:

1 tbs of olive oil
1 small carrot, diced
14 oz of chopped tinned tomatoes
1 lb lean beef mince
14 oz of dried spaghetti
2 onions, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 sprigs of thyme, leaves removed
1 heaped teaspoon of dried oregano
5 fl oz red wine
17½ fl oz beef stock
2-3 rashers of bacon, chopped

METHOD:

Put the olive oil in the pan, tip in the mince and cook for about 10 mins until browned. Set aside in a separate bowl.

Add a little more oil and cook the onion, carrot, garlic and bacon until the bacon is cooked and the vegetables softened.

Put mince back into the pan; pour in the wine, tomatoes and stock. Add the thyme leaves and oregano and stir well.

Bring up to the boil, and then leave to simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced down and the alcohol has burnt off.

Place your dried spaghetti in a pan of boiling water and cook for approx 10 minutes, or as per packet instructions. Swirl your spaghetti on to a plate and top with the bolognaise mixture.

TIPS:

Make double the amount of meat mixture and freeze the rest – use for a spiced shepherd’s pie or for stuffing big tomatoes.

Toast off some fresh breadcrumbs in a frying pan and use to top the bolognaise for more texture. Finish with some shredded basil or parsley and a little shaved parmesan.