The “World’s Best Ever” Spaghetti Bolognaise! | I have refined it

This is a recipe I have been making for nearly 30 years, which was named by dear friend’s daughter. Over time I have refined it  a little and I think the key is the layering of flavour from the start! I hope you enjoy it! Everyone I have made it for certainly does.

Ingredients

• 2 tsps olive oil
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 4 garlic cloves (finely chopped or minced)
• 75 chopped smoked ham or 3 rashers of eye bacon
• 500g lean mince
• 1.5 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Good sprinkle of Italian herbs
• 140g tomato paste or pizza base sauce
• Tinned tomatoes (I like it best with the Ardmona rich with basil and garlic )
• 250ml of pasatta or pasta sauce
• Tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
• One beef stock cube (I like Massals)

Options for hidden veggies! 

• Grated carrots
• Celery
• Zucchini
• Mushrooms

Method

1. Heat oil in a heavy based pot or frypan. Cook onions and garlic for a few minutes until they soften.
2. Add chopped ham or bacon and fry for three minutes.
3. Add mince and stir continuously until cooked and brown. Stir through 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce and Italian herbs. Cook a further minute.
4. Mix in tomato/pizza paste followed by tinned tomatoes and passata or Italian pasta sauce. Stir though balsamic vinegar.
5. Mix stick cube in a cup of boiling water and add to sauce. Bring to boil.
6. Salt and pepper to taste and add bad sneaky veggies!
7. Reduce heat and cook at a low simmer for 20 -30 mins depending on how much time you have- feel free to add hot water to maintain consistency.
8. Boil water and cook pasta –

TIP: Remember you can add the pasta water to the sauce as the starch in the water helps the sauce stick to the pasta!