Bolognese Sauce

Prep time: 20 minutes 

Cook time: 45 minutes 

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 

• 1 large brown onion, finely diced 

• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped  

• 1 carrot, finely chopped or grated 

• 2 celery ribs, finely chopped 

• 500g beef mince (or pork or chicken)

• 2 tablespoons dried Italian herbs 

• Simply Wholesome Pantry Mediterranean Recipe Base  

• 2x 400g crushed tinned tomatoes 

• 2 beef stock cubes (I like the Massel ones)

• 1-2 cups water (depending on thickness)

• 1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 

• 2 bay leaves 

• Sea salt & cracked black pepper 

To serve:

• Pasta of choice: spaghetti, bowties, penne, rigatoni, pappardelle 

• Fresh parmesan 

Method:

1. Place a large saucepan or shallow casserole pot onto medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat for 30 seconds. Add the onion and cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and do the same. Add the carrot and celery and stir through. Add the mince and using a wooden spoon, break it up while cooking for 5-7 minutes. 

2. Add the Simply Wholesome Pantry Mediterranean Recipe Base, stir through to enhance the flavour of the sauce. Add the tinned tomatoes, beef stock cubes, 1 cup of water, Worcestershire sauce, dried herbs and bay leaves. Stir everything until well combined. Bring to the boil and then turn down to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 25 minutes (minimum). If you have the time, 1 hour is even better. If the liquid evaporates too much, feel free to add another cup of water. Season well. 

3. Serve the bolognese with your pasta of choice. Top with freshly grated parmesan.