SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE (SPAG BOL)

pREP TIME: 10 MINUTES

COOK TIME: 40 MINUTES

Ingredients

• For the Bolognese Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 medium carrot, finely diced

  • 1 celery stick, finely diced

  • 500 g ground beef (or plant-based mince for vegan/vegetarian)

  • 100 ml red wine (optional, use vegetable stock for alcohol-free)

  • 400 g canned chopped tomatoes

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 tsp sugar

  • 2 tsp Rub-A-Dub Aromatic Wild Herb

  • 1 bay leaf

  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Spaghetti:

  • 300 g dried spaghetti (use gluten-free if needed)

  • Water for boiling

  • Pinch of salt

• To Serve:

  • Grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)

  • Fresh basil leaves

Method

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   Chop the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery finely. Set aside.

2. Cook the Base:
   Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add carrot and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes.

3. Add the Protein:
   Stir in the ground beef (or plant-based mince) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.

4. Deglaze the Pan:
   Pour in the red wine (or vegetable stock) and simmer for 3 minutes to reduce.

5. Build the Sauce:
   Add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, Aromatic Wild Herb, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well, reduce heat, and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally.

6. Cook the Spaghetti:
   About 10 minutes before the sauce is ready, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

7. Combine:
   Remove the bay leaf from the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Toss the spaghetti with the sauce or serve the sauce ladled over the pasta.

8. Garnish and Serve:
   Top with grated Parmesan cheese or a vegan alternative. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot.

Suggestions for Dietary Needs

• Vegan: Use plant-based mince and a vegan cheese substitute. Ensure red wine or stock is vegan.

• Vegetarian: Substitute the beef with a vegetarian mince or finely diced mushrooms for a hearty texture.

• Gluten-Free: Replace regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients (like stock and tomato paste) are gluten-free.