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Spaghetti Bolognese

Ingredients:​

  • 1 pound (450g) spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can (6 ounces/170g) tomato paste
  • 1.5-2 cups (480ml) chicken or beef stock
  • 1/4 cup of red wine or tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 pound (225g) ground beef
  • 1/2 pound (225g) Italian sausage, sliced
  • 8 ounces (225g) mushrooms, sliced
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:​

  1. Cook the Spaghetti:

    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
    • Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
    • Drain the spaghetti, reserving about 1/2 cup (120ml) of the pasta water.

  2. Prepare the Sauce:

    • In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
    • Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

  3. Brown the Meat:

    • Push the onion and garlic to one side of the skillet and add the sliced Italian sausage.
    • Cook until browned, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes.
    • Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
    • In the same skillet, add the ground beef.
    • Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.

  4. Sauté the Mushrooms:

    • Once the ground beef is browned, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet.
    • Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened and browned, about 5 minutes.

  5. Create the Sauce Base:

    • Push the cooked meat and mushrooms to one side of the skillet.
    • Add the tomato paste to the empty side of the skillet.
    • Cook the tomato paste for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly.

  6. Combine the Sauce:

    • Gradually pour in the chicken or beef stock, stirring constantly to incorporate the tomato paste and create a smooth sauce.
    • Add red wine or tomato sauce
    • Add the dried oregano, basil, and bay leaves.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    • Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.

  7. Serve:

    • Serve the Bolognese sauce over cooked spaghetti.
    • Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.

Enjoy your Spaghetti Bolognese! 🍝🌿🧀