Posie’s Place

This Nigel Slater recipe came from his show called a Taste of My Life.

I’ve been looking for a more authentic recipe to try and since my son adores pasta I thought this would be ideal for a nice relaxing family meal.

I was right, clean plates all round!  It was delicious, rich and filling, perfect!

SPAGHETTI BOLOGNAISE (Serves 4 Very Hungry People)

• Olive oil
• 70g Pancetta, (I used smoked bacon cut into cubes)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 Cloves garlic, finely chopped (I used 4 cloves as we really like garlic)
• 1 Carrot, finely chopped
• 2 Celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 Large mushrooms, sliced (I used 4oz button mushrooms)
• 2 Bay leaves
• 400g Minced beef
• 200ml Full fat milk
• 220ml Crushed tomatoes or passata (I used 1 tin of plum tomatoes)
• 200ml Red wine
• 200ml Vegetable stock
• 1 Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parmesan to serve
• Spaghetti cooked according to the packet instructions.

PREPARATION

1. Add some olive oil to a heavy based pan and fry the bacon/pancetta for 4-5 minutes.
2. Add all the vegetables, garlic, bay leaves to the pan with the bacon and continue to cook over a medium heat for 10 minutes covered to allow the vegetables to soften without colouring.
3. Once the vegetables are soft add the minced beef to the pan and cook without a lid for 3-4 minutes without stirring.  Break the mince up with a wooden spoon and stir well and leave to cook for a further 3-4 minutes.
4. After the meat has been well browned, pour in the milk gradually whilst stirring, then add the tomatoes, red wine, stock and nutmeg.
5. Season with a little salt and pepper and bring to the boil.  Reduce the heat and allow to simmer half covered for around 1 1/2 hours.
6. Cook the spaghetti according to the packet.
7. Server the sauce over the spaghetti and top with grated parmesan.