Do you reach for jars of pre-made Bolognese sauce? They are sadly almost all full of salt and sugar. Here is a simple alternative which should cost approximately 1/2 the price of shop bought ones and will be a healthy tasty option. Bolognese for me is a dish that can be made with whatever you have to hand and although in this recipe I am using bacon, mushroom and red pepper, I as often omit them as include them.

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Spaghetti Bolognese

serves 4

• 2 tbls olive oil
• 200g mince
• 3-4 rashers smoked bacon/lardons
• Tin of chopped tomatoes
• Tomato passata – a whole jar/can
• 2 cloves garlic/ 2 tsp garlic granules
• 1 large onion chopped
• 1 red pepper diced
• a few mushrooms sliced
• 1 stock cube
• 1/2 tsp Mixed herbs
• 1/2 tsp chilli flakes (optional)

1. In heated oil fry the onions, mushrooms and red pepper for 5-10 mins while covered, stir occasionally; this releases the natural sweetness which shall hopefully compensate for any bitterness in the tomatoes.
2. Add the mince, bacon and garlic and further fry for a few minutes until the mince has browned.
3. Add tomatoes, tomato passata, stock cube, herbs and chilli and bring to the boil.
4. Cook for around 40 mins or until a film of oil appears on the top.
5. Carefully taste at this point and if your dish is a little bitter, add some sugar approx 1/2 tsp at a time.
6. Add black pepper to taste.
7. Serve with pasta of your choice, topping with a little grated cheese.

Top Tip. By adding an extra tin of tomatoes, 1/4 pint of water and 2 tbls of tomato purée you should have sufficient sauce leftover to fill cannelloni shells for a second meal making this dish exceptional value for money.