Bolognese sauce (ragu’). Mince beef is a good source of B vitamins. To make this classic sauce healthier, add a good selection of vegetables, these will not only make it healthier, it will enhance the flavours and the kid's won’t even notice they are there!
Bolognese Sauce
Ingredients
1kg of lean beef mince
1lg carrot (finely chopped)
1lg onion 9finely chopped)
1 garlic clove (finely chopped)
1 celery stick (finely chopped)
1 red pepper (finely chopped)
1 medium courgette (finely chopped)
¼ chilly (finely chopped)
2 x 400gm tins of chopped tomatoes
2 bay leaves
1tbsp mixed dried herbs
200ml red wine
1lt water
Salt and pepper
2tbsp olive oil
Method
In a big saucepan heat up the oil, add the vegetables and fry very gently for at least 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Add the meat, salt and pepper, herbs, bay leaves and stir until the meat is cooked through. Pour in the wine and let it all evaporate. Add the tomatoes and the water, cover with the lid and let it simmer gently for about 1 ½ hours. Take the lid off, check the seasoning and bring to a gentle boil. Let it cook uncovered until the water has all evaporated, about another hour or so, or until it reaches the consistency that you like. Just be careful not to let it burn dry.
You can make this sauce with beef with sausage meat or any meat you like and it doesn’t even have to be minced, it could just be small pieces of meat. It does take a long time to prepare but you can make a big batch and freeze it in family size portions.
