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When I first saw this done on Bits of Carey over at Food24, I knew it was genius. Not only is Spag Bol the staple of mothers everywhere, but it’s also got a comfort level not easily met by anything else. After all, pasta in every shape and form equals comfort, no?
I have always veggie-loaded my Spag Bol to boost my family’s 5-a-day intake. I always, always, ALWAYS add fresh carrots, onions and garlic. Sometimes peas and corn, sometimes green beans or broccoli. But when I saw Carey using fresh baby spinach and rocket, I almost weeped. There’s just no better way to take this, usually winter-y dish and make it completely perfect for summer than adding some fresh and flavourful leafy veg to it.
I didn’t stick to Carey’s recipe, not because there’s anything wrong with it, far from it, but because I very rarely stick to recipes. I knew my serving would have chopped chillies (as always) and even though my heart melts at the thought of spag bol with a good grating of mature cheddar ontop, I thought the Goat’s Cheese would add a nice sharpness and creaminess. But you best decide for yourself which is best..so you’ll have to make this a few times…ooohhh…just think of it with Feta. mmmmmm….
I also added some fresh flatleaf Parsley with the rocket and spinach, just because I love the flavour so much, but feel free to use any leafy vegetables, just make sure that you only mix it in when you toss the pasta and sauce together. That way it just wilts enough but keeps that fresh and vibrant flavour and colour.
Serves 4
1 onion, finely chopped
4 medium carrots, finely chopped/grated
2 garlic cloves, crushed
500g (17.64 ounces) lean beef mince
4 large tomatoes, chopped / 250g (8.82 ounces) cherry tomatoes, halved / 1 tin chopped tomatoes
1 tin (115g (4.06 ounces)) tomato paste
1tsp sugar
1/2 tsp each ground cumin, ground cloves and ground nutmeg
1 tsp each ground coriander and paprika
2tbsn bovril
500ml (16.91 fluid ounces) water (or substitute the bovril and water for 500ml (16.91 fluid ounces) beef stock)
salt & pepper to taste
500g (17.64 ounces) fettucini, cooked
fresh rocket, fresh baby spinach, fresh italian parsley (1-2 handfulls of each)
goat’s cheese / mature cheddar / feta to serve
- In a large pot, fry the onions and carrots in 2tbsn oil until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the garlic cloves and fry for another minute. Add the mince and break up with a fork/spoon.
- Allow to brown for 2-3 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar and spices. Stir to combine everything.
- Add the bovril and water, mix through and turn the heat down. Cover and allow to simmer for 25-30 minutes. Season to taste.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and the leafy veg.
- Serve with a sprinkling of cheese and chopped chilli if desired.
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Tags: Bolognese, Fettucini, how to make spaghetti bolognese, leaf vegetables, Meat sauce, Pasta, recipe for spaghetti bolognese, Spag Bol, spaghetii bolognese recipe, spaghetti, Spaghetti Bolognese, Summery Spaghetti Bolognese
Post By Alida Ryder
