James Martin Spaghetti Bolognese Food

THE BEST SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE RECIPE

Steps:

• Put a large saucepan on a medium heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil.
• Add 4 finely chopped bacon rashers and fry for 10 mins until golden and crisp.
• Reduce the heat and add the 2 onions, 2 carrots, 2 celery sticks, 2 garlic cloves and the leaves from 2-3 sprigs rosemary, all finely chopped, then fry for 10 mins. Stir the veg often until it softens.
• Increase the heat to medium-high, add 500g beef mince and cook stirring for 3-4 mins until the meat is browned all over.
• Add 2 tins plum tomatoes, the finely chopped leaves from ¾ small pack basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 bay leaves, 2 tbsp tomato purée, 1 beef stock cube, 1 deseeded and finely chopped red chilli (if using), 125ml red wine and 6 halved cherry tomatoes. Stir with a wooden spoon, breaking up the plum tomatoes.
• Bring to the boil, reduce to a gentle simmer and cover with a lid. Cook for 1 hr 15 mins stirring occasionally, until you have a rich, thick sauce.
• Add the 75g grated parmesan, check the seasoning and stir.
• When the bolognese is nearly finished, cook 400g spaghetti following the pack instructions.
• Drain the spaghetti and either stir into the bolognese sauce, or serve the sauce on top. Serve with more grated parmesan, the remaining basil leaves and crusty bread, if you like.

LAMB & FENNEL SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, heat a little of the olive oil. Add the lamb mince, season and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain off and discard any excess fat.
• Add the remaining oil, the fennel, garlic, rosemary and some seasoning, then cook for about 8 mins until soft and golden. Pour in the tomatoes, break up with the spoon, then add the olives. Simmer for about 15 mins until thickened.
• While the sauce is cooking, cook the spaghetti following pack instructions. Serve with grated Parmesan and a green salad, if you like.