Satisfying Spaghetti Bolognese

From time to time my friend Angelina Foster from the UK will be doing a guest post.  This is her 1st and I must say it looks and sounds delicious!

Satisfying Spaghetti Bolognese

You may think a spaghetti Bolognese is the choice for students on a budget as it’s easy to make, but it doesn’t mean this meal isn’t delicious and you can’t enjoy it as well. 

I like to add different vegetables into the mixture because not only does it taste great, it helps make the meal more interesting and healthier. To make a homemade spaghetti Bolognese that everyone can enjoy you’ll need the following ingredients-

Ingredients to serve 4

·         1lb/450g lean beef mince

·         2 tbsp vegetable oil

·         2 garlic cloves, chopped

·         1 onion, finely chopped

·         150g/5oz mushrooms, sliced

·         1 green pepper, finely chopped

·         1 red pepper, finely chopped

·         200g/7z tomato puree

·         400g/14oz chopped tomatoes

·         2 bay leaves

·         Salt and pepper (to taste)

·         A dash of thyme, parsley and oregano (optional)

·         400g/14oz spaghetti to serve, cooked according to instructions

·         Parmesan to serve, finely grated

Method – Prep time 20-30 min, cooking time 45 min to 1 hour

1.     Over a medium heat, heat up the vegetable oil in a large pan.

2.     Add the mince and cook until slightly browned, then drain the excess water.

3.     Add the onion for 3 minutes, and then add the garlic, mushrooms, green and red peppers for an extra 5 minutes until lightly coloured and softened.

4.     Next, add the bay leaves and tomato puree and leave to cook for another 5 minutes.

5.     Then add the tomatoes and bring to the boil.

6.     Turn the heat down and simmer for around 20-30 minutes.

7. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly pepper.
8. Add the thyme, parsley and oregano and stir well to combine (optional).
9. The Bolognese is ready to be served. Place equal portions of cooked spaghetti into four serving bowls (or maybe a little bit extra for yourself).
10. To serve, place equal portions of cooked spaghetti into four serving bowls. Spoon equal amounts of Bolognese sauce over each portion and sprinkle with finely grated parmesan.

I also like to add tinned sweet corn into the Bolognese. Other vegetable ideas for the dish include courgettes, carrots or even peas. Spaghetti Bolognese is easy to make at home and can be more tasty and satisfying than eating the same dish in an expensive restaurant with commercial restaurant insurance.