Recipe Book/Europe/Italy/Classic Pasta Sauces

Bolognese

Serves: 4-6

Cooking: 45-60 minutes

Preparation: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

450g/1lb

minced beef

4 rashers

smoked bacon, chopped

100g/4oz

chicken livers, chopped

1 large

onion, peeled and chopped

1 clove

garlic, peeled and crushed

100g/4 oz

mushrooms, thinly sliced

397g/14oz

canned Italian tomatoes

150ml/¼pt

Full bodied red wine

15ml/1 tbsp

tomato purée

15ml/1tbsp

fresh mixed herbs, chopped
or
5ml/1 tsp dried mixed herbs

1.75ml/¼ tbsp

dried oregano

60ml/ 4 tbsp

water

to taste

salt & freshly ground black pepper

Method:

In a large, heavy-based saucepan, fry the minced beef in its own fat for 10 minutes until browned. Add the bacon, chicken livers, onion and garlic and fry for a further 5 minutes until the onion begins to brown.

Add the mushrooms, chopped tomatoes, wine, tomato purée, herbs and water.

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and bring to boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Recommended pasta: spaghetti; long pasta; ribbon pasta; shapes.