Recipe #1 | Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic family meal; it's simple but delicious and a dinner that seems to be loved by all.

Everyone has their own variation on the recipe and this is one that my Mother dearest gave to me before I started at university - probably aiming to bury her own fears that I would either starve to death or live solely on Dominos Pizza (half true).

It's such a versatile recipe as you can add anything that takes your fancy or take out something that you're not a fan of (mushrooms spring to mind). Adjust this recipe to suit your own personal taste.

Ingredients (serves 2)

1 red onion

1-2 cloves of garlic

500 grams beef mince

1 tin of chopped tomatoes

1-2 tsp tomato puree

Salt, Pepper, mixed herbs

Spaghetti or tagliatelle

Parmesan

Step 1 - Add a small amount of sunflower oil to a warm saucepan. Chop up the onion finely and add it to the saucepan with the garlic. Wait for the onion to soften and become slightly translucent.

Step 2 - Put the mince meat in with the onion and garlic. Using a wooden spoon separate the meat out and stir on the heat until it is browned off.

Step 3 - Once the meat has been browned pour in the tin of chopped tomatoes and a teaspoon or two of tomato puree. Stir in.

Step 4 - Season with salt, pepper and mixed herbs.

The location of the salt in our kitchen always makes me laugh, just casually perched next to a magnifying glass and some phone manuals. Obviously.

Place the lid on the saucepan and leave the bolognese sauce to simmer and infuse whilst preparing the pasta.

Step 5 - Measure out the amount of spaghetti you want and bring the water in the saucepan to the boil. Gradually curve the spaghetti in and add a pinch of salt to the water.

Stir the pasta every so often to prevent it from sticking together. It should be cooked in 10-12 minutes.

Drain off the water using a colander.