Spaghetti Bolognese

This is always a winner. The longer you simmer the sauce for, the nicer it will taste.

Essential ingredients

• 200g mince
• 250g pasta
• 1 tin tomatoes
• Water
• A little oil

Optional ingredients

• 1 carrot - finely chopped
• 1 onion - chopped
• A few mushrooms - chopped
• A dollop of tomato ketchup or puree
• Herbs
• Salt and pepper

Method

Cook the pasta, drain it and put it aside. Heat some oil in the pan then add the mince, frying for 5-10 minutes until it's browned. Add the carrot, onion and mushrooms and fry for a few more minutes. Make sure the mince is thoroughly cooked - fry for a bit longer if you're not sure. Add the tomatoes, herbs, ketchup and about ½ cup of water. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until it's really thick and lovely. Add the cooked pasta and heat through. Season and serve.

To make a CHILLI - Make the bolognese recipe, adding ½ tsp chilli powder, a drained can of red kidney beans and a chopped red pepper (optional). Serve with cooked rice instead of pasta.