Classic Bolognese

This was the meal of my childhood. My Mam could sneak a load of vegetables in and it’s so versatile as you can eat it with pasta, use the sauce as a lasagne base sauce or even have it with baked potatoes. Every family has their own way to make spaghetti bolognese and here is our family bolognese sauce. The measurements aren’t exact, so if you fancy more or less of any of these flavours, bolognese is one of those dishes that you really don’t have to be precise with. This meal comes in at under 600 calories for a bowl of hearty spag bol, no Dolmio in sight!

If you leave out the parmesan cheese, this meal is Dairy free. Sub in gluten free pasta if gluten free and just make sure your stock cubes are gluten free too. Egg free if using dried pasta and not fresh pasta.

Ingredients

Serves 6 for sauce | 211 calories per serving* (add 100g pasta 350 calories)

• 500g extra lean mince (5% or under)

• 1 carrot, finely diced or grated

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 white onion, diced fine

• 1 stick celery, diced fine

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 500g passata

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1-2 tsp dried oregano

• handful fresh basil leaves (or 1 heaped tsp pesto)

• 1 tbsp tomato puree

• 1 beef stock cube

• 30g parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra to serve)

Method

1. Heat skillet / pot with oil and sauté your onion, carrot & celery on a low heat for 5mins or until onion is transluscent.

2. Add your mince & garlic and break up the mince with your spoon and cook until browned.

3. When mince is browned add your passata, tomato pureé, oregano & stock cube, balsamic & pesto (if using). Rinse out your passata jar with a little water (about 100ml). Add this to your sauce. Simmer for 20-25mins on the lowest heat with the lid on, stirring occasionally.

4. After 20mins or so add a handful of grated parmesan and your torn basil leaves. Simmer for further 5mins, taste and season with salt & pepper if needed.

5. Serve with some pasta or use this sauce as the meat sauce for your lasagne.

*Calorie breakdown using my fitness pal are based on brands I used and may not be entirely accurate but should serve as a guide for calorie density of meal.